Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Am I required to have a Business Registration Certificate?
A. Yes, all businesses operating or doing business within the city limits of Encinitas require a business registration certificate per Municipal Code 6.60.

Q. How do I know if the business I want to open is allowed where I want to locate it?
A. The City of Encinitas is divided into zones specified in the Planning and Building Codes that allow for various uses. Please check with the Planning/Zoning Department at (760) 633-2710 to see if your use is permitted at a particular address.

Q. Do I need a Business License?
A. No. The City of Encinitas administers the Business Registration Program in lieu of a licensing program.

Q. How much is the Business Registration Certificate?
A. The first year's registration and processing fee is $25.00. Annual renewals are $15.00 per year.

Q. How long does it take to get my certificate and account number?
A. Current processing time is three weeks. Applications cannot be expedited. All applications must be approved by multiple departments within the City and may take longer than the usual three weeks should there be any problems. To avoid possible delays, please be sure your application is complete and that you have researched the proper permits (see resources) and licenses needed for your business.

Q. How can I get a permit for massage therapy, holistic health, taxis, second-hand dealer, massage establishment, entertainment, bingo or soliciting door-to-door?
A. Contact Christine Baumann in the City Clerk's Department at (760) 633-2605 or cbaumann@ci.encinitas.ca.us.

Q. What is a fictitious name statement?
A. If you use a business name other than your own legal name or initials, you must file a fictitious name statement with the County Clerk's Office at 141 East Carmel St., San Marcos, CA 92069 (760) 940-6868.

Q. How do I get a resale license/seller's permit?
A. This number is required by the State of California in order to monitor the collection of sales tax. Contact the State Board of Equalization at 334 Via Vera Cruz #107, San Marcos, CA 92069, (760) 510-5850 for more information.

Q. I'm going to be serving food. Do I need special permits?
A. Yes. The San Diego County Health Department reviews all plans for restaurants and food vendors. Contact them at 1255 Imperial Avenue, 3rd Floor, San Diego, CA, and 1-800-253-9933 for permit information before applying for the Business Registration Certificate.

Q. We're contractors doing a job within the City of Encinitas. Do we need a Business Registration Certificate?
A. Yes. The City of Encinitas requires that any business conducting or operating within the city limits must be registered prior to the job.

Q. I sold my businesses, how do I close my account?
A. Please contact the Business Registration office at 505. S. Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024, (760) 633-2606. Accounts can be closed in person, over the phone, or by letter notification.

Q. My business moved locations; do I have to reapply for the Business Registration Certificate?
A. No, but you will need to notify the Business Registration office when you move. Contact the Business Registration office at 505 S. Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024, (760) 633-2606. Due to zoning regulations within the city, your address change may take up to three weeks for approval.

Q. My business changed ownership; do I need to reapply for the Business Registration Certificate?
A. Yes. Any change in ownership requires a new Business Registration Application to be submitted to the City.

Q. What is the difference between ownership types? What are the benefits of each? How do I file a corporation, LLC or partnership? How do I trademark my name? How do I find out about CA State requirements?
A. Contact the CA Secretary of State's Business Program Division at (916) 657-5448 or http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/business.htm

Further questions? Please call the Business Registration office at (760) 633-2606 for assistance.