Introduction

Welcome to the City of Santa Monica. We are pleased that you are considering Santa Monica for the location of your business or for investment in an already existing enterprise. This information guide is intended as a summary of information you will need to know in order to operate a business in Santa Monica. This guide is provided as a public service. It is not all inclusive. Therefore, if you have any questions please contact the Business License Office at (310) 458-8745, Fax: (310) 451-3283, or e-mail:  license@santa-monica.org.  Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on alternate Fridays. Further Information is also available on the city's home page (www.santa-monica.org).


BUSINESS LICENSE TAX INFORMATION

Who Needs a Business License?
The City of Santa Monica Municipal Code requires all businesses operating in Santa Monica to pay an annual business license tax. The business license tax year is a fiscal year: July 1st through June 30th. Business licenses are not transferable between owners; however, they may be transferred to a new location upon notification to the Business License office and approval by the City Planning Division. For further information regarding the business license tax, please contact the Business License Office.
City of Santa Monica
Business License Office, Room #103
1685 Main Street
P.O. Box 2200
Santa Monica, California 90407-2200
Phone: (310) 458-8745 Fax: (310) 451-3283

Separate License For Each Place of Business
A separate Business License is required for each branch establishment or place of business.
Separate License For Each Type of Business Activity
A separate Business License is required for each business activity operated in Santa Monica.

Newly Established Business
The Business License Tax is paid in advance. Most businesses pay a tax for the current fiscal year (July through June) based on gross receipts. A few businesses pay a flat fee.
When a business license tax is to be paid based on gross receipts, the business pays the minimum fee when it begins operation. At renewal time, an additional fee is charged based on actual gross receipts applicable to the first year of operation, less the minimum paid for the business license when the original license was obtained.
In addition, the business license tax for the license renewal is also due based upon the first year's actual gross receipts. Thereafter, each renewal will be based on gross receipts from the previous calendar year.

Gross Reciepts Reporting Period
Gross receipts shall be determined based upon gross receipts for the calendar year preceding the license tax period for which the tax is due, EXCEPT that for licensees of newly established businesses that were not in operation during the preceding calendar year, the gross receipts from the date the business started in Santa Monica through June 30th.

Definition of Gross Reciepts
Article VI, Section 6.04.010 SMMC (See Section 6.04.010 for detailed definition).
Gross receipts is the total amount actually received or receivable from sales and/or the performance of any act or service for which a charge is made or credit allowed including the amount of any federal manufacturer's or importer's excise tax included in the price of property sold, without any deduction therefrom on account of the cost of the materials used, labor or serviceable costs, interest paid or payable, losses or any other expense whatsoever.

In connection with a person leasing, subleasing, or renting property, all amounts paid by a tenant or subtenant, including, but not limited to, income from laundry facilities, prepaid rent, rental of any furniture, equipment, fixtures, garage, or storage space, are included as gross receipts.

Excluded from gross receipts are:

• City and State taxes collected from purchasers as required by law.
• Refunds.
• Refundable deposits.
• Receipts paid by State Licensed general contractors to subcontractors licensed by the City of Santa Monica provided that a list of the names, addresses and amounts paid to each are provided to the Director of Finance.
• Bad debts, if reported as gross receipts on the previous license renewal.
• Receipts not taxable by virtue of provisions included in the Federal of State Constitution including sales of alcoholic beverages.

Renewal Filing
Payments are due on July 1 of each year unless otherwise specified by the ordinance. A penalty equivalent to 20% of the payment due applies to all delinquent account unpaid after August 31 of each year with an additional penalty of 10% levied on the original license fee for each month or portion thereof that the payment remains outstanding. Total penalties, however, may not exceed 100% of the original tax payment due.It is the Responsibility of the Business License Tax Holder to Insure that the Tax is Paid Each Year.

Renewal Notices
Once you are on file with the Business License Office, all necessary renewal statements will be mailed to you prior to the next tax period. If you change your address you must immediately notify the Business License Office. If you do not receive a renewal notice by July 15, please contact the License Office. PAYMENT OF THE BUSINESS LICENSE RENEWAL FEE BY THE DUE DATE (August 31st) IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OWNER OF THE BUSINESS.

Display of the Business License
All Business Licenses must be displayed at the fixed location of the business. For those businesses that do not have a fixed location, the responsible party must carry the business license with them at all times while conducting the business in Santa Monica.

A Business License is not Transferrable From One Owner To Another
The new owner must apply for a business license in their name.
A Business License May Be Transferred To A New Location In Santa Monica upon Planning Approval
Upon notification to the Business License Office that you have moved and are conducting your business at a new location in Santa Monica, and after compliance with other City rules and regulations, a Business License may be transferred to a new location in Santa Monica.

Charitable Non-Profit Organization
Certain charitable, non-profit organizations may be exempt, and payment of taxes which would be in violation of the Constitution of the United States or Constitution of the State of California, is not required. A non-profit corporation or organization which is carried on entirely for the benefit of non-profit purposes and from which profit is not derived, either directly or indirectly by any person, shall be exempt from payment of taxes. A non-profit corporation is defined as any non-profit corporation organized under California law for charitable purposes. A non-profit organization or corporation is one which is exempt from paying Federal income tax by virtue of its non-profit status. Even if you are exempt from paying the business license tax, you must submit an application to ensure you meet various other City requirements.

Disabled Persons, Exemption
A person who is disabled within the meaning of any Federal or State law may request and be issued a certificate of exemption from the payment of the business license tax for any retail, manufacturing, or wholesaling business in which he or she is engaged if the gross receipts of the business are less than $60,000.00.

Additional Fees That Are Due if your Business is Located in Certain Areas

1. Downtown and Third Street Promenade District and Maintenece Assesment Fee (Resolution 8026 CCS) - Boundaries are the centerline of the following streets: Wilshire Blvd. on the north, Fourth Court on the east, Broadway on the south and First Court on the west. The fee is equal to the lesser of one times the annual business license tax or square footage formula. Paid concurrently with the business license tax.
   
2. Downtown Parking &Business Improvement Area Tax(Ordinance 725 CCS) - Boundaries are Ocean Ave. to 7th St. centerline, and Santa Monica Freeway centerline to 200 feet northwesterly of the centerline of Wilshire Blvd. Only retail businesses pay the tax. Tax based on 1/15th of 1% of taxable sales for the six-month period January - June payable March 10th each year and July - December payable October 10th of each year. The annual maximum fee is $1,000.00.
   
3. Main Street Parking & Business Improvement Area Assesment (Ordinance 1940 CCS) - Boundaries are Pico Blvd. on the north to the south City limits, Ocean Park Blvd., Hill St., Ashland Ave., Kinney St., Pier Ave. and Marine Ave. between Neilson Way and 2nd St.   Retail businesses pay one (1) times the business license tax (annual maximum fee is $2,000.00), and $100.00 for all other businesses (except property owners).  Paid concurrently with the business license tax.
   
4. Montana Ave Business Improvement Area Tax (Ordinance 1805 CCS) - Boundaries are centerline of 6th Court to centerline of 17th St. Retail and Recreation/Entertainment businesses pay $200.00 per year, and $80.00 for all other businesses (except property owners). Paid concurrently with the business license tax.

GENERAL REGULATIONS
In addition to the business license, you must also comply with all City, County and State regulations for zoning, building, health and safety.
CITY REGULATIONSIf a business is located in Santa Monica, the business license application must be approved by the City Planning Division. Also, business license approval may include, in some instances, approval from the Police Department.

Certain types of business activities require a Police Permit. The following is a list of a few types of businesses that require a Police Permit: entertainment in restaurants/bars, secondhand stores, taxicabs, solicitors, peddlers, amusement businesses, massage, telemarketers, valet and auto parks.

Sometimes businesses that are regulated by the County Health Services Department must be approved by that agency before a business license can be issued.

In addition to the requirements of the Business License Office for a license, other City departments may require additional permits or approval which may include, but are not limited to:

• Building & Safety Permits (Building & Safety Division)
• Off-Site Improvement Approval (Engineering Division)
• Certificates of Occupancy (Building & Safety Division)
• Conditional Use Permits (City Planning Division)
• Encroachment Permits (Environmental and Public Works Management Department)
• Filming Permits (Environmental and Public Works Management Department)
• Fire Permits (Fire Department)
• Hazardous Material Permit and Disclosure (Fire Department)
• Industrial Waste Permits (Environmental and Public Works Management Department)
• Sign Permits (City Planning Division)
• Underground Storage Tank Permit (Environmental Public Works Management Department)
• Water/Sewer Service Permits (Environmental Public Works Management Department)

Building And Safety
Before you erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure in the City of Santa Monica, check for regulations with the Building & Safety Division at (310) 458-8335. A permit may be required.

Child Care Facilities
All family day care and child care centers require prior approval of the City Planning Division. Large family day care centers (7 or more children) and child care centers (provide non-medical care in a group setting on a less than 24 hour basis) are licensed by the State Department of Social Services. For further information, call (310) 337-4333. Also, large family day care and child care centers require a City business license. Please contact the City's Child Care Coordinator at (310) 458-8704 for specific zoning requirements and the Business License Office for business license information at (310) 458-8745.

Engineering Division Approvals
Approval of off-site improvements may be required to obtain a permit for construction from the Engineering Division. The Engineering Division will assist in the determination of the types of required off-site improvements by making field inspections and plan checks, and will issue approval of the Building & Safety set of final plans. For further information about fees and services, contact the Engineering Division at (310) 458-8721.

Environmental Assistance
The City distributes information on hazardous waste management, underground storage tanks and other City environment programs. For further information, call the Environmental Programs Division at (310) 458-8227.

Fire Prevention
The Fire Prevention Division is responsible for enforcement of the Fire Code. In certain occupancy classes, subject to the State Fire Marshal's Regulations, they are responsible for enforcement of non-structural provisions of the California Building, Fire, Mechanical and Electrical Codes. The Fire Prevention Division performs plan reviews, issues permits, and conducts inspections of new construction, fire protection systems, and hazardous processes. For further information, call (310) 458-8915.

Hazardous Materials Disclosure
State, County and City legislation requires all business owners to report whether or not hazardous chemicals are present in the work place. The intent is to facilitate the City Fire Department in responding to a fire or spill at the business location and is not intended to regulate or prohibit the use of these materials.
Businesses which handle any hazardous material or hazardous waste may be subject to reporting requirements through the Hazardous Materials Release Response Plan and Inventory Program. For further information, contact the Fire Department at (310) 458-8915.

Home Occupations
Under certain, specific conditions, businesses may be operated in residential units. These are usually limited to low intensity office uses that are clearly secondary to the use of the dwelling, and compatible with surrounding residential uses. Garages and carports may not be used, and signage, product display, and on site sales are prohibited. Only residents of the dwelling may be employed in the home business. Certain types of business, including automotive repair, beauty shops and some medical offices, are expressly prohibited.
Any business conducted from a residence must comply with all zoning restrictions and must be approved by the City Planning Division, which can be contacted at (310) 458-8341.

Industrial Waste
The City's Industrial Pretreatment Program is designed to survey and monitor industrial customers whose businesses have the potential of discharging certain types of industrial and toxic wastewater into the public water system.

Industries that produce wastewater that contains toxic substances, both organic and inorganic, are required to participate. For further information, contact the Wastewater Division at (310) 458-8235.

Parking Facility Tax
There is a tax imposed for the privilege of occupying space in any parking facility in the City of Santa Monica. Every operator receiving payment for the use of a parking facility shall collect the City's Parking Facility Tax from the person paying the parking fee and remit the tax to the City as required. For further information, contact the Treasury Division at (310) 458-8741.

Refuse and Recycling Collection
The City provides cost-effective refuse collection and recycling. For further information, call the Solid Waste Management Division at (310) 458-8512.

Signs
Signs are regulated by City ordinance as to size, number, location and height. This ensures compatibility between signs and other structures and reduces possible detrimental effects. Contact the City Planning Division before installing, altering or moving a new or existing sign. All signs are subject to City Planning Division approval before the Building & Safety Division can issue a sign permit. For further information, contact the City Planning Division at (310) 458-8341.
Prior to posting a temporary sign or banner, permits must first be submitted to, then approved and issued by the City Planning Division and the Building and Safety Division. For further information, contact the City Planning Division at (310) 458-8341.

Solid Waste Permit
All companies involved in the direct handling of solid waste or source-separated recyclable materials within the City must obtain an enterprise permit. This includes institutional, industrial and commercial haulers; recycling contractors; and demolition contractors. For further information, please contact the Solid Waste Division at (310) 458-8512.

Stormwater Management
The goal of the City's Stormwater Management Program is to reduce the overall volume and pollutant level of urban runoff in order to restore and protect water quality in the Santa Monica Bay. The City requires a 20% reduction in post-construction runoff for new and substantial redevelopment, as well as good housekeeping activities for existing properties and projects under construction. Please contact the Stormwater Program Coordinator at (310) 458-8231 for specific information.
Businesses with Industrial Waste Pretreatment permits are also prohibited from discharging into the storm drain system. For more information, contact the Industrial Waste Section at (310) 458-2210.

Temorary Use Pemits
Some businesses are only temporary in nature (i.e., pumpkin and Christmas tree sales lots) and require approval of a Temporary Use Permit from the City Planning Division. If you use a tent as part of your temporary use, the City of Santa Monica Fire Department will also need to approve your plans. For further information, contact the City Planning Division at (310) 458-8341 and the Santa Monica Fire Department at (310) 458-8915.

Underground Storage Tanks
The City regulates and issues permits for the installation, operation and closure of underground storage tanks. For further information, contact the Environmental Programs Division at (310) 458-8228 and the Fire Department at (310) 458-8915 for additional details on the requirements.

Water and Sewer Service
In some cases with changes of business use or renovation to existing buildings additional fees for water or sewer service may be required. For additional information, please call Environmental and Public Works Management Department at (310) 458-8737.

Zoning
The zoning ordinance includes regulations concerning where and under what conditions a business may operate in the City. In some cases a conditional use permit or zoning variance is required. To determine if the business activity you are planning can be carried on at the location you have selected, you should contact the City Planning Division at (310) 458-8341. It is absolutely necessary that you provide them with all the facts about the type of business activity you plan to operate now and in the future.

COUNTY, REGIONAL, STATE & FEDERAL AGENCIESThere are a number of County and State agencies you may need to contact related to your new business.

Air Quality
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) regulates certain types of businesses such as auto shops, service stations, dry cleaners, etc. Air quality permits are required for certain businesses. For further information, contact the SCAQMD at (909) 396-2000.

To assist small businesses with limited resources in complying with air quality regulations, the SCAQMD offers technical help, on-site consultation and a special loan guarantee program at (909) 396-2000. For information on the Air Quality Assistance Fund Loan Guarantee, or other information, call the SCAQMD Small Business Assistance Office Public Information Center at (800) 388-2121.

Alchoholic Beverage
If you plan to sell or serve alcoholic beverages, contact the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board at (310) 412-6311 and the City Planning Division at (310) 458-8341.

Federal Employer ID Number
Contact the Internal Revenue Service at (800) 829-4059 for a Federal Employer Identification Number. The IRS conducts seminars for new businesses, provides Business Kits, additional information and forms.

Ficticious Business Name
DBA (Doing Business As) Statement
A fictitious name or DBA is the name a business uses other than the owner's name or in the case of a corporation one that is different from that registered in the articles of incorporation. If you are using a fictitious name, the Civil Code requires that you file a fictitious name statement. You may file a fictitious name with the Los Angeles County Recorder or through your local newspapers. For more information contact the L.A. County Recorder at (562) 462-2177.

Food Related Services
For additional requirements in the operation of retail and wholesale food sales, restaurants, lunch wagons, ice cream trucks, hotels, motels, hospitals, event featuring food or food booths, etc. contact the Los Angeles County Health Department at (310) 419-5325.

Incorporation
To incorporate a business, you must file with, and receive approval from, the California Secretary of State. For further information, call (916) 445-0620.

State Sales and Use Tax Permits
If your business involves the sale of tangible personal property, either retail or wholesale, you are required to obtain a sellers permit from the State Board of Equalization. As a seller, you must remit sales tax (collected from the consumer at the time of sale) to the Board. The Board will advise you of the time and manner in which taxes are to be reported and paid. Failure to register for a seller's permit and pay taxes in the manner prescribed may result in a fine or other penalty. For more information, call the State Board of Equalization at (310) 342-1000.

State Withholding
If you intend to have employees or to obtain a Form 540 for estimating State Withholding Tax for yourself, contact the Franchise Tax Board at (800) 853-5711.

Workers Compensation
If you intend to have employees you should contact the State Workers' Compensation Insurance Fund at (213) 954-5600 for information regarding workers' compensation insurance for employees.

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES AND REQUIREMENTS

Importing/Exporting
For exporting requirements, contact the U.S. Department of Commerce at (310) 575-7103, which provides information regarding workshops on starting an export business.
For information on importing requirements, contact the United States Customs Service at (310) 215-2414, or the Export Small Business Development Center of Southern California at (213) 892-1111.

Insurance
Contact your insurance agent for information about any insurance requirements for your particular kind of business, such as liability and workers' compensation.

Patents, Trademarks/ Copyrights
A publication titled "General Information Concerning Patents" is available from the U.S. Governmental Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 20402. Copyright information can be obtained by writing the Copyright Office, 101 Independence Avenue S.E., Room LM401, Washington, D.C., 20540, or by telephoning (202) 707-3000. Trademarks and service marks may be registered with the State of California, Secretary of State, 923 12 Street, 3rd Floor, Sacramento, California 95814, or by calling 1 (800) 786-9199.

Special Services for Small Business
The Westside Small Business Development Center provides management and technical assistance, including initial start-up requirements, composing a business plan, financing options, marketing, and employee and business insurance. Other services include referral assistance, one-on-one counseling (no fees), and training workshops and seminars on various aspects of owning small businesses. For further information, call (310) 398-8883.
The U. S. Small Business Administration - SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) offers business counseling on various subjects. For further information, call (310) 393-9825.

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

City of Santa Monica

Bayside District	(310) 393-8355
Building & Safety	(310) 458-8355
Business License	(310) 458-8745
Child Care Coordinator	(310) 458-8704
City Attorney General Information	(310) 458-8336
Consumer Affairs	(310) 458-8336
City Clerk	(310) 458-8211
Civil Engineering	(310) 458-8721
Environmental Programs	(310) 458-8228
Environmental & Public Works	(310) 458-8221, (310) 458-8737
Fire Department	(310) 458-8915
Industrial Waste	(310) 458-2210
Parking & Traffic	(310) 458-8291
Planning Division	(310) 458-8341
Police Department	(310) 458-8491
Solid Waste	(310) 458-8512
Stormwater Management	(310) 458-8231
Wastewater	(310) 458-8235
Water/Sewer	(310) 458-8224