Guidelines for Opening a Business in the City of Encinitas
City of Encinitas administers a Business Registry. The purpose of this service is to provide a registry of businesses in the incorporated area. It is also used to protect the interests of legitimate businesses in the City from unfair competition with businesses that may be operating in violation of federal, state, and/or local laws.
The City of Encinitas uses a Registry Program in lieu of a Business License Program. The registry is a flat-fee based program, intended neither to impose any taxation on the business community nor to collect any fees other than necessary to cover the administration costs of the program.
The Business Registration fee is $35.00 for the first year and $20.00 for annual renewals. Certificates are valid for a 12-month period.
Steps to Obtaining a Business Registration Certificate
1. Read through the resource information to determine what type of permits you may need for your business. Contact any agencies required for your business before you apply for your Business Registration Certificate with the City of Encinitas. Call Cynthia Miller with questions at 760-633-2606 regarding business registration. Email: cymiller@cityofencinitas.org.
Solicitors, Holistic Health Practitioners, Massage Therapists, Taxi Cabs, Bingo, Entertainment, Massage Establishments and Second-Hand Dealers will also need to contact the City Clerk's Office, Christine Baumann, at (760) 633-2605 or cbaumann@cityofencinitas.org for proper permits.
2. Download the Business Registration Application. This is an Acrobat (PDF) file, and you will need to click here to download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader if you do not already have it installed on your Computer.
3. Complete the application in full, sign, date and return it to the City of Encinitas with the $35.00 registration fee. (Non-profit organizations are exempt from the fee, but proof of non-profit status must be attached to the application when submitted.)
4. The Business Registration Certificate will be sent to your mailing address when processed. Current processing time is two weeks after receipt of the completed application. The Certificate must be displayed in a conspicuous area at the business location.