The City of El Cerrito requires that any person who transacts and carries on any business, trade, profession, calling, or occupation in the city, or who provides a service within the city, must procure a Business License and pay the appropriate fees.
Please note that you may need additional permits and licenses in order to operate legally in El Cerrito. For example, you may need a Home Occupation Permit, Taxicab Permit, Bingo Permit, Conditional Use Permit, or other permit. You may also need Federal, State, or County Licenses and permits, such as a California Seller's Permit or a State Contractor's License.
For more information, please contact the Finance Department at (510) 215-4335 or by email at finance@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us.
Business License Application Forms
City of El Cerrito Business License Tax Ordinance
Please search on Chapter 4.32 to obtain information on the City Ordinance that governs the Business License process.
Business licenses expire on June 30 of each year. Renewals cover the fiscal year (the period from July 1 to June 30 of the following year). The annual business license tax is due no later than July 31 to avoid penalties.
For more information on Business License Tax Renewals, please contact the Finance Department at (510) 215-4335 or e-mail finance@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us.
Master Fee Schedule
Click here to download the complete fee schedule for the City of El Cerrito, including all tax tables(PDF).
Business License Renewal Instructions
Click here for information on how to renew your business license. (PDF, 23Kb)
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