Cathedral City is continuing to make significant strides in enhancing its offering of online services. Effective August 1st, 2024, business licensing is now available online for new applications and renewals. Click here for online licensing.

To access our online how-to guides, please click here.  

 CUSTOMER SELF SERVICE (CSS) PORTAL

Anyone doing business in the City of Cathedral City must have a business license. This includes contractors (and subcontractors) and those operating a business out of their home, known as a Home Occupation Permit. You can submit an application in person at City Hall or download it from this web site and email or mail it to City Hall.

Licenses expire one year from date of issue and are not prorated for the calendar year. Home Occupations and out–of-city businesses are activated within 7-14 business days of receipt of payment. All other businesses will be reviewed internally and inspection(s) may need to occur prior to being approved. The approval process usually occurs within 7-21 business days, depending upon the type of business.

General information for all businesses:

Common Business Licenses

Please see the Application Instructions and the Fee Schedule (page 2 of the application) for an overview of license fees. If you have any questions, please call the Business License staff at (760) 770-0353.

A General In-City Business License is based on estimate of gross receipts for the first year of business. This application can be submitted through the mail or in person along with a Building Occupancy Clearance Inspection Form. The application and associated forms are routed for approval to the Building, Engineering, Fire, Planning, and Police departments. You can download the Business License Application and the Building Occupancy Clearance Inspection Form.

A Home Occupation Permit has an initial (one-time) cost of $103.00 and consists of two forms, the standard Business License Application and the Home Occupation Permit. If approved by Planning, the business license is activated within 7-14 business days from date of receipt.

An Out-of-City Business License is a vehicle flat fee (see Fee Schedule). License plate number is required and may be submitted by mail or email. The license is activated within 7-14 business days from date of receipt.

A Contractor’s Business License (see Fee Schedule). This application may be submitted by mail or email. If a Home Occupation business. The Contractor’s State License Board  must be current and active. Include a copy of current contractor’s card with application.

Anyone selling products must have a State Sellers Permit . If you are an in-city business, please provide a copy of your Seller’s Permit when you apply. Please note your permit must show the Cathedral City business address. If necessary, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration  will be able to provide address changes.

• If a Fictitious Business Name  is used, it must be filed through the County of Riverside. You will be required to publish the name in the local newspaper. Copies of the fictitious name statement and proof of publication (receipt) must be included with your application.
• If a Partnership, Corporation, Trust or Limited Liability Corporation owns the business, please provide a Federal ID Number (Employer Identification Number (EIN)). If you are a Sole Proprietor, you may either use Social Security Number or a Federal ID Number. A husband and wife may not need to obtain a Federal ID Number. Please check the above link for details. For businesses that are corporations, attach a copy of the first three pages of the Articles of Incorporation.
• If you have employees, please provide a State ID Number from the Employment Development Department (EDD).
• If you operate a business that is licensed by a state agency (such as contractors), please provide your State License Number and a copy of the State Contractor Card.
• Effective January 1, 2001, any business or government entity required to file a federal Form 1099-MISC for services received from an independent contractor is also required to report specific independent contractor information to the State of California Employment Development Department .

Some things to keep in mind

• Business Licenses are not transferable to the new owner. The owner closing or selling the business must complete a Business License Closing Form.
• Any change in the business requires written notification to the Business License department.
• A $5.00 fee is required for processing a duplicate license.
• Licenses are renewed annually. Even if you do not receive a renewal notice, it is your responsibility to ensure timely renewal. A penalty fee will be added to late renewals.
• If an application is incomplete and/or proper documentation is not attached, your application will be returned.

Links

• Business License Application
• Business License Closing Form
• Fee Schedule
• Home Occupation Permit
• Building Occupancy Clearance Inspection Form

Business License
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, Ca 92234
Phone: (760)770-0353
Fax: (760)202-1467
Email: businesslicensestaff@cathedralcity.gov.

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