Business Licenses

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STATE OF CALIFORNIA REGISTRATION AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR BUSINESS OPERATORS

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration website (www.cdtfa.ca.gov) has specific information about the programs that the state administers, how to register for permits and licenses, and how to file and report correctly. The CalGold website (www.calgold.ca.gov) assists business owners in finding the appropriate information for their businesses including contact information for the various agencies that administer and issue permits.

California SB205

On October 2, 2019, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 205 (SB205) into law. SB205 intends for businesses to demonstrate enrollment with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. You may obtain information about your legal obligations and how to comply with environmental laws at the following agencies:

More information may be found under General Business License Application.

Notice of Revised Business License Tax

The business license tax structure was significantly altered by a ballot measure approved by voters on November 6, 2018. The tax now has a progressive structure based on the number of employees effective as of October 1, 2019.

Ordinance (City Code Chapter 18 - Licenses)

Notice of Wage Theft Ordinance

Effective January 1, 2023

The Wage Theft Ordinance was adopted by Mountain View City Council on September 13, 2022. This ordinance applies to all businesses in the City of Mountain View which are required to have a business license and requires a completed Wage Theft Affidavit to be submitted.

Learn more about the Wage Theft Ordinance.

Notice for Business Licenses Issued

AB 3002 and SB 748 require cities issuing building permits for commercial construction or issuing any business licenses to make available the following information regarding compliance with disability access provisions and legal obligations to comply under State and Federal laws:

Notice for Permits Issued for All Properties

Mandatory ADA Disclosure

Additional Information

Renewals

Quarterly Business License Listing

General Business License Application

Read up on the City of Mountain View's minimum wage law.

If you are starting or conducting a business, or rendering services in the City of Mountain View, you must first complete a business license application.

It is the owner/applicant/agent's responsibility to obtain approval and any necessary permits from the city departments and agencies, listed on the 2nd page of the business license application, prior to commencement of the business.

For information about Mountain View's Municipal Codes and Enforcement, please read the provisions under Chapter 18 - Licenses.

Getting Started: NAICS Code and Mountain View Code

Before beginning the application, please find the correct North American Industry Classification System (NAICS, pronounced Nakes) 6-digit code and Mountain View Business Description 4-digit code for your business.

Fill Out the Application and Sign

Mobile Vendors

Please print a copy of the Mobile Vending Checklist and the Instructions for Mobile Vending's Certificates of Insurance. All items need to be completed and turned in with your applications before a license will be issued. For more information, read the FAQs for Mobile Vending, then fill out the online application and the Mobile Vending Application.

Chapter 15 of the Municipal Code discusses this further.

Submit the Application

Once the application(s) are completely filled out and signed, please submit the application(s) by one of the following options:

By Mail: City of Mountain View, Attn: Finance Department 2nd Floor - Business License, Post Office Box 7540, Mountain View, CA 94039-7540

By E-mail at BusinessLicense@mountainview.gov

In person by visiting Finance and Administrative Services Department located on the 2nd Floor of the City Hall building, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA 94041. Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Please call (650) 903-6317 if you have questions.

Issuance of License

The Finance Department will process your application after payment has been received and will assign a business license number. The business license certificate will be mailed out in 10 business days to your mailing address on file. You should not operate the business until all City requirements are met.

Senate Bill 205 - Business Licenses: Stormwater Discharge Compliance

Important Notice: The State of California’s “Stormwater Industrial General Permit (IGP)” is a regulation that is intended to protect water quality. Some types of industrial activities are required to apply for coverage under the IGP, implement pollution controls, and complete monitoring and reporting requirements. As of January 1, 2020, businesses submitting a business license application that are subject to IGP requirements must provide proof of enrollment in the IGP program. A description of industrial facilities subject to the IGP, and a list of SIC codes subject to the IGP are provided below:

If your business operation is included in the primary SIC list and is subject to the IGP, provide the names and locations of all facilities with covered industrial operations, as well as one of the following: 1) Waste Discharge Identification Number (WDID) for coverage under the IGP; Notice of Non-Applicability (NONA); or No Exposure Certification (NEC) with your business license application. Please refer to the California State water Resources Control Board website for additional information about the IGP.

Payments

Ordinance (City Code Chapter 18 - Licenses)

On September 19, 2012, Governor Brown signed into law Senate Bill 1186 which added a state fee of $1 on every application or renewal of a business certificate (or equivalent instrument) from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2017. All cities and counties within California are required to collect the mandated state fees.

On October 11, 2017, Governor Brown signed into law Assembly Bill 1379, effective January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2023, which increases this fee from $1 to $4.

The City of Mountain View's initial Business Certificate fee and Renewal fee includes the state fee. The $4 state fee is required to be added on to all payments received. The fee provides for the development of educational resources for the businesses in order to facilitate compliance with federal and state disability laws.

Compliance with Disability Access

Under federal and state law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public. You may obtain information about your legal obligations and how to comply with disability access laws at the following agencies:

You can obtain a copy of the full text of SB 1186 (Chapter 383, 2011-12) and AB 1379 (Chapter 667, 2017-18) from the California Legislative Information website.

For specific information on the amount of Business License Fee that is due for your business, please contact the Finance Department at (650) 903-6317.

Delinquency / Penalties

Please see Ordinance Sec. 18.12 Penalty for late renewal.

Changes

If there is a change of ownership, business name or location, you are required to obtain a new business license and are subject to any associated fees and approvals.

Sold or Discontinued Businesses

If your business is sold or discontinued, please complete the Declaration attached to the City of Mountain View Business License issued to you and return that portion to:

City of Mountain View
Finance & Administrative Services Department
Attn Business License
PO Box 7540
Mountain View CA 94039-7540
(650) 903-6317