Business Licensing
Welcome to Redwood City!
We thank you for choosing Redwood City to operate your business. Before you start operating your business, you will need to obtain a license from the City’s Revenue Services division.
|
All businesses operating in the City of Redwood City are required to register for a Business License Tax Certificate. Any business, whether the business is located in Redwood City out of a home office or located outside of the City but coming into our City to conduct business, is required to register. This page provides details on how to register and more. |
New Business License Tax Structure Comes Into Effect July 1, 2025
In November 2024, Redwood City residents voted “Yes” on Measure BB to change the structure of the City’s business license tax. Measure BB modernizes the current business license tax structure by adjusting tax rates based on the business category, with the highest fee on larger industries and businesses. Doing so means large businesses pay a higher proportionate amount of business tax, while small retail and commercial businesses would have a lower per-employee tax rate.
By law, all Measure BB funds must be spent for the benefit of the Redwood City community and cannot be taken by Sacramento.
The new structure is described in Municipal Code, Chapter 32, Article V. Business Licenses, Division 6. License Taxes (Sections 32.151-32.156).
For details, including the Summary of Charges, guides, and FAQs, please visit redwoodcity.org/BLT.
Our business licenses are issued or renewed after payment of an annual base tax plus an additional tax. This additional tax may be based on, but not limited to, the following:
- Number of employees,
- Number of housing units,
- Estimated square footage of your business,
- Date your business will commence operations, or
- If a temporary business, expected date your business will cease operations.
We do not tax based on gross sales.
- View our current business license tax schedule.
- View our Business License Tax Frequently Asked Questions.
- View our Helpful Business Resources
New Businesses:
Apply by Mail (Online application recommended for expedited service)
- Download the Business License Tax Application here [PDF].
- Fill out your business and contact information. Please be specific in your response to the business description.
- Mail the completed form along with your payment to City of Redwood City, Processing Center, 8839 N. Cedar Ave #212, Fresno, CA 93720.
Prospective Landlords
If you intend to manage, operate or rent any apartment, house, duplex, hotel, motel, mobile home park, rooming or boarding house with two (2) or more residential units, you are required to obtain a Residential Rental Business License. However, for the purpose of Business License tax, the management, operation or rental of three (3) or less residential units shall not be deemed a residential property rental (Business License Ordinance Section 32.102).
Follow the steps above to apply for a business license online or through the mail, and choose the applicable business type.
Existing Businesses:
|
Renew Online All business licenses expire on June 30 every year. To renew your business license online, click on the green Renew Now icon. You will need the License # and the PIN # found on your renewal notice. To find your License # and PIN #, view sample renewal notice. |
Renew by Mail (Online renewal recommended for expedited service)
- City will mail out a renewal notice prior to your license expiration in June every year.
- Note any updates with your business, such as the number of employees or contact information.
- Mail the completed form along with your payment to City of Redwood City, Processing Center, 8839 N. Cedar Ave #212, Fresno, CA 93720.
Update Online
We accept updates to mailing address, phone number, email address, and contact preference online. Click the below gray Update/Close Now icon and select Update - Request Account Information Update.
If you need to update other information such as your business name, business address, and owners, contact (650) 204-3448, or email RedwoodCity@hdlgov.com.
|
Close Online To close your business license online, click on the gray Update/Close Now icon and select Close - Close a business online. You will need the License # and the PIN # found on your renewal notice. To find your License # and PIN #, view sample renewal notice. Close by Mail or Email (Online close recommended for expedited service)
|
|
Exclusions / Exemptions from Redwood City Business License Tax
The City may issue an exempt license if your business fits the exempt/ exclusion category as defined in our Business License Ordinance in sections 32.130-32.136.
Redwood City Business License Ordinance
“The purpose of this Article is to provide for the establishment and levying of license taxes for the transaction and carrying on of certain businesses, trades, professions, callings and occupations in the City. This Article is enacted solely to raise revenues for municipal purposes and is not intended for regulation.” (Ord. No. 2016, 2, 5-7-90)
Click here to view the entire Business License Ordinance
California Legislative Information
The State has mandated certain notices that may affect your business. You may review the notices at: https://statebusinessnotices.hdlgov.com.
Contact Us
Business License Tax:RedwoodCity@hdlgov.com
(650) 204-3448
Business License Compliance: RedwoodCityCompliance@hdlgov.com
(650) 241-1482
Mailing Address:
City of Redwood City
Processing Center
8839 N. Cedar Ave #212
Fresno, CA 93720