The City of San Luis Obispo has adopted the implementation plan for its Business License Compliance Program, which will utilize a consultant to identify unlicensed businesses within the community and then seek compliance. As a part of that program, notices will be sent to businesses that are potentially out of compliance with the City’s business license requirements, asking those businesses to submit a license application packet.
Previously, the City had received complaints from businesses that have paid for licenses, saying businesses that don’t pay for licenses have an unfair advantage. Therefore, the implementation of the compliance plan will address equal application of business license requirements to all businesses that require a license.
The implementation program includes:
- A frequently asked questions page on the City website, slocity.org/businesslicense to aid the business community in understanding current requirements and the reasons behind the program.
- General outreach by the consultant and City staff to representatives of business organizations.
- Outreach to businesses identified by the consultant as being potentially out of compliance with the City’s business license requirements and asking the business to submit an application packet.
Certain types of businesses are exempt from the license requirements, including those owned by a minor under the age of 18, charitable, religious and non-profit organizations and instances where there is a conflict with federal or state laws or contractual agreements.
Business license fees are charged on an annual basis. The City’s municipal code also sets forth business tax certification requirements that raise revenue for general municipal purposes.
For more information about the City’s Business License Compliance Program, visit slocity.org/businesslicense.