Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.
- Home
- Business Resources
- Business License FAQ
Business License FAQ
Business License FAQ |
|
|---|---|
| Questions | Answers |
| Do I need a business license if I work from home? | Yes. Home-based businesses must apply for a business license. You will also need a Home Occupation Permit through the Planning Division before your license can be approved. |
| I am an outside contractor. Do I need Business License Clearance? | No. Contractors who do not maintain a physical business location in the City of Banning may skip Business License Clearance and go directly to the business license application (Step 5). |
| What is Business License Clearance, and why do I need it? | Business License Clearance confirms that your proposed business use is allowed in your chosen location under the Banning Municipal Code. Without zoning approval, your business license application cannot be processed. |
| Do I need a Certificate of Occupancy (COFO)? | You need a Certificate of Occupancy (COFO) if: You are making tenant improvements, OR You are changing the use of the space under the California Building Code. If there are no improvements or change of use, a Fire and Building and Safety Business License Inspection are required. |
| What if I’m just taking over an existing business location without changes? | You will still need to apply in SmartGov to create a Certificate of Occupancy (COFO) inspection record so Fire and Building & Safety can schedule business license inspections. Even if no improvements or change of use are proposed, both Fire and Building & Safety approvals are required. |
| How do I apply for a business license? | All business license applications are submitted online through the Business Support Center (HDL). You will need to upload: Business Licenses Clearance, Certificate of Occupancy (if required), Fire/Building inspection approvals, State or County permits (if applicable). |
| How much does a business license cost? | Business license fees are based on the City’s Business Tax schedule. Fees are calculated by business type and size. You will not pay until your application is accepted. |
| How long does it take to get a business license? | Timelines vary depending on whether inspections or permits are required. If no construction or change of use is involved, approval is usually quicker. Applications requiring building permits or Fire inspections may take several weeks. |
| How do I renew my business license? | Renewals are processed annually through HDL. Renewal notices are sent by email or mail. You can renew online by logging into your HDL account. |
| Do I need additional permits besides a business license? | Yes, depending on your business type. Examples include: Seller’s Permit (retail/wholesale sales), Health Permit (food sales/handling), Hazardous Materials Permit (auto shops, etc.), ABC License (alcohol sales), Industrial Waste Survey, Cannabis CUP and State license (cannabis businesses). Check with the appropriate agency before applying. |
| Where do I post my business license? | Per City Code, your business license (and Certificate of Occupancy, if applicable) must be posted in a conspicuous place within the business. |
| Do I need a sign permit? | Yes. If you are installing a new sign or replacing an existing one, you must obtain a Sign Permit. Contact the Planning Department for application requirements and design standards. |
| Do I need to complete an Industrial User, Food or Auto Survey? | Yes. Certain businesses, such as industrial users, food establishments, auto repair, car/mobile washing, and other commercial uses, must complete a Food, Auto, or Industrial Waste Survey. This helps the City determine if your business requires an Industrial Waste Permit. If applicable, permit and inspection fees will be required prior to building permit release, and quarterly inspections will occur once the business is operational. |
| Do I need Trash and Recycling Services? | Yes, all businesses are required to subscribe to the City’s three-container collection system with the City’s exclusive franchise hauler, in accordance with Banning Municipal Code, Chapter 8.28.100. |
| Do I need a Stormwater NPDES Inspection? | The City’s stormwater NPDES Permit requires that certain businesses be inspected for stormwater purposes, such as food, auto, industrial, car/upholstery/pet/mobile washing and cleaning businesses. A NPDES Inspection fee will be paid by the applicant, and the inspection will occur once the business is operational. |
| What is an SIC Code and why do I need it? | The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code identifies the type of business activity you conduct. HDL requires an SIC code to determine whether your business is subject to State Water Board stormwater requirements(SB205).
You may look up your SIC code using the State of California’s official search tool:
• SIC Code Lookup: https://www.dir.ca.gov/OPRL/ORS/SICSearch.html
|
Obtain Required Permits |
Depending upon the type of business, certain permits may be required. Below is a list of possible permits that may apply to your business: |
Stormwater Requirements (SB 205 – State Water Resources Control Board) Sellers Permit - All retail and wholesale business must obtain a Sellers Permit or Resale Permit from the State Board of Equalization. This may be applied for at any local office. Every business that sells goods must collect and then remit sales tax to the State of California. This process is set in motion with the application for the seller’s permit. |
Health Permit - eating establishments - food sales and handling. Any business dealing with consumable products must obtain a permit from the County Environmental Health Services Department. |
Hazardous Materials - Any business which handles hazardous materials (i.e. automotive repair) is also required to obtain a permit from the County Environmental Health Services Department. All businesses should contact the County to verify whether or not a permit is required. |
Child/Day Care - A business who offers the following services but is not limited to day care, infant centers, preschools, extended day care facilities, and school age childcare centers. The County and Development Services Department should also be contacted about any additional requirements. |
Tobacco Sales - Businesses selling tobacco products consumed on or off the premises must obtain a permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. The City's Community Development Department should also be contacted for additional requirements. |
Alcohol Sales - Businesses selling alcohol products consumed on or off the premises must obtain a permit from the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC). The City's Community Development Department should also be contacted for additional requirements. |
Cannabis Businesses - Any commercial cannabis activity in the City of Banning, including cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, retail/dispensary, or testing facilities, requires approval of a Cannabis Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in accordance with Banning Municipal Code Chapter 17.53. In addition, a Cannabis Regulatory Permit is required under Banning Municipal Code Chapter 5.33. Cannabis businesses must also obtain a State of California cannabis license from the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). Both City approvals and the State license are required before a business license can be issued. |
State Water Resources Control Board – SB 205 Requirements https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/stormwater/sb_205_business_license_requirements.html
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (800) 400-7115
Riverside County Environmental Health Services (888) 722-4234
Riverside County Environmental Health Services (888) 722-4234
California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing (800) 300-5616
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (800) 400-7115
California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) (951) 782-4400
City of Banning Community Development Department Planning Division (951) 922-3125 Email
State of California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) (844) 612-2322 https://cannabis.ca.gov/
CITY OF BANNING DEPARTMENTS AND CONTACTS CITY OF BANNING - CITY HALL - 99 E. RAMSEY ST., BANNING, CA 92220 | ||
DEPARTMENT | PHONE | WEBSITE / EMAIL |
Animal Control | (951) 922-3170 | |
Banning Electric Utility | (951) 951-3260 | |
Building and Safety Division | (951) 922-3120 | |
City Clerk’s Office | (951) 922-3102 | |
Code Enforcement Division | (951) 922-4821 | |
Economic Development | (951) 922-3181 | |
Office of the Fire Marshal | (951) 922-4818 | |
Planning Division | (951) 922-3125 | |
Police Department (Non-Emergency line) | (951) 951-3170 | |
Public Works Department | (951) 922-3130 | |
Utility Billing | (951) 922-3185 | |
Waste Management (Trash Recycling Services) | (800) 423-9986 | |