Prior to signing a lease or submitting a business registration application we recommend contacting Development Services planning staff at planning@encinitasca.gov or 760-633-2710 to ensure that your business is allowed at the location.

The specific zoning of a business location can be confirmed through E-Zoning. Whether a use is allowed, prohibited or requires a major or minor use permit can be confirmed through the  Zoning Use Matrix, or, for properties in a Specific Plan area, through the applicable Specific Plan (Downtown, North 101, Cardiff, or Encinitas Ranch). If the use is not listed, then it is prohibited. If a specific use requires a major or minor use permit, the use permit must be obtained prior to submitting for a business registration. If a use is not specifically listed but is similar to one listed within the applicable use matrix, contact planning staff for assistance.

If any of the below describes your business, you must obtain a Business Registration:

• The business is physically located in the City (e.g. home-based, retail, medical, office, or industrial facilities).
• The business is physically located outside of the City and provides services within the City (e.g. contractor, plumber, electrician, carpet cleaner).
• Rental income is collected from residential, industrial, or commercial space located within the City.
• A computer or other electronic device is used at a home in Encinitas to communicate with global clients involving payments, products, correspondence or contracts for a business.
• The business owner lives outside of the City of Encinitas and rents a post office box or mailbox with an address located in the City of Encinitas to receive payments, correspondence, or other business materials.
• Products are presented for sale at Farmer’s Markets, Street Fairs, or other events in Encinitas more than one (1) time per year.
• Education, training, fitness, yoga, surfing, martial arts, or other recreation services are provided at beaches, parks, or in City of Encinitas buildings.
• Personal services such as hairstyling, facial/cosmetic treatments, massage therapy, acupuncture etc., are provided by renting a booth or other space in the City of Encinitas.
• Consulting services are provided to clients by renting conference or office space in the City of Encinitas.
• A mobile business operates in the City of Encinitas using a cart or vehicle which is stored elsewhere such as a home or parking lot.
• A home in Encinitas is listed as a business tax deduction with the State or Federal government.
• A non-profit business is conducted out of a home, church, office, retail, medical, or industrial space in the City of Encinitas. Non-profit businesses are required to pay the processing/renewal fees because the City of Encinitas has a fee-based versus a tax-based business registration program.

1. Review the business resources information below to determine if additional permits are required for your business.
2. You must be logged in to your CSS account to complete a business registration application. Create an account to use the Customer Self Service (CSS) portal if you do not have one already.
3. Log in to your CSS account.
4. Click on Apply and then select the business registration application. This will launch a six-step application process that prompts for different information in each step. No document attachments are required to complete the business registration application.
5. Pay the business registration application fee. The fee will be invoiced upon application submittal. The application cannot be processed until after the fee is paid.
6. Processing time is two (2) business days for out-of-city businesses and 3-4 weeks for in-city businesses.
7. An email notification is sent when the business registration certificate is issued. Upon approval, print your business registration certificate from the License Details page, accessible from your CSS Dashboard. The certificate must be displayed in a conspicuous area at the business location.

Business Registration Renewal

The business registration certificate will expire after one year. A renewal notice is sent via email 45 days prior to the expiration date on your business registration certificate. It will prompt you with instructions to complete the renewal through the CSS portal.

If you prefer to complete the renewal payment in person, please contact us at permits@encinitasca.gov prior to coming in to ensure that staff will be ready to take your payment. Development Services staff will create a renewal invoice for you that will then be paid through the City Hall cashier.

Please contact the Permit Administrator with questions at (760) 633-2708 or permits@encinitasca.gov

The following resources are provided to help you through the process of opening a business. We strongly encourage you to thoroughly research what types of permits and licenses you will need in order to open your business. Any errors or omissions in the listing below do not excuse business owners of their responsibility or liability when establishing a business in the City of Encinitas.

Fictitious Name Statement
San Diego County Clerk
141 E. Carmel Street
San Marcos, CA 92078
(760) 940-6858
www.sdarcc.com

Sellers Permit
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
San Diego District Office
15015 Avenue of Science, Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92128
(858) 385-4700
https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/

Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN)
(800) 829-4933
www.irs.gov/businesses

State Employee Identification Number (SEIN)
Employment Development Department
10636 Scripps Summit Court, Suite 202
San Diego, CA 92131
(888) 745-3886
www.edd.ca.gov

Food Permits or Hazardous Material
San Diego County Health Department
5500 Overland Avenue, Suite 170
Kearny Mesa, CA 92123
(619) 338-2222

State License Requirements - CalGOLD
(877) 345-4633
www.calgold.ca.gov

Alcohol Sales
California State Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)
1350 Front Street, Room 5056
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 525-4064

U.S. Small Business Administration
550 W. C Street, Suite 550
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 557-7250
www.sba.gov/district/san-diego

Please Note: On September 19, 2012 Governor Brown signed into law SB-1186 which adds a state fee on any applicant for a local business license or similar instrument or permit, or renewal thereof. On October 11, 2017 Governor Brown signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1379, increasing this fee from $1 to $4, effective January 1, 2018. The purpose is to increase disability access and compliance with construction-related accessibility requirements and to develop educational resources for businesses in order to facilitate compliance with federal and state disability laws, as specified.

Under federal and state law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public. You may obtain information about your legal obligations and how to comply with disability access laws at the following agencies:

• The Division of the State Architect 
• The Department of Rehabilitation 
• The California Commission on Disability Access 

The City of Encinitas collects a business registration fee and therefore is required to add the state mandated fee of $4 for every new registration and renewal beginning January 1, 2018. The City is mandated to send 40 cents to the state and utilize the remaining $3.60 for the City’s Certified Access Specialist Program (CASP) which provides education of disability access for the public.

The Encinitas Green Business Network is established by the City of Encinitas with support from the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce. This local network gives businesses the recognition they deserve for adopting environmentally sustainable practices. In order to be a member of this network you must be a California Certified Green Business through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC CA). This is a FREE certification with complimentary consulting to help get you certified.

Go Green, Save Green! Join more than 3,500 other certified businesses, benefit from reduced operational costs and unique marketing opportunities. Start your Green Business Certification journey by registering your business here. 

 Find Out More Here