All businesses operating in El Cerrito are required to apply and obtain a Business License in accordance with El Cerrito Municipal Code, Chapter 4.32. The Business License Tax Ordinance defines the business license requirements, process, and tax rates. Read the business license rene wal FAQ for more information. Most business licenses are valid annually between July 1- June 30.
As of July 1st, 2024, the City began processing business license renewals for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Payments made after July 31 may be subject to delinquent fees. Please see the chart below. If you missed our deadline, please reach out to Toni Casados to discuss.
For timely processing and efficiency, please pay electronically. E-checks are free of charge and credit cards payments include a 3.5% processing fee. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
To renew your annual business license for the 2024-2025 fiscal year- click here .
Please note: Beginning July 1, 2025, paper renewal notices will no longer be mailed as the City transitions to electronic notices.
If you are a food provider, effective January 1, 2024, the City of El Cerrito has adopted an Expanded Foodware Ordinance that your business must comply with. View our Fact Sheet, Compliant Disposable Foodware Guide or visit www.el-cerrito.org/foodware for details.
Fast Food Restaurants (for chains with 60 or more locations around the nation), effective April 1, 2024, will have a higher minimum wage of $20.00/hour. Healthcare Facility workers, effective June 1, 2024, will earn a minimum of $18, $21 or $23 an hour, depending on what type of facility employs them and where they work. Please visit State of California Department of Industrial Relations website and Assembly Bill 1228 for more information.
Assembly Bill 783, Effective January 1, 2024: State law requires all single-user toilet facilities in any business establishment, place of public accommodation, or government agency be identified as all-gender toilet facilities. Click here for the full text of the legislation.
Information regarding the El Cerrito Minimum Wage Standards Ordinance, including current rates, can be viewed here.
Counter hours for drop in service for business licenses are Monday and Wednesday 9 am – 4 pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9 am – 6 pm and every other Friday 9 am – 4 pm.
Questions?
Please email the Community Development Department or call (510) 215-4314 for assistance with completing your business license application and determining the amount of taxes and fees due.
The City of El Cerrito requires anyone who is doing business within city limits (including operation of rental property – commercial/residential) to obtain a business license and pay the license tax. To learn more about How to Start a Business in El Cerrito, click If you are opening a new business in El Cerrito, the first step is to contact the Planning Division to determine if the proposed location is zoned for the proposed business use. Once Zoning is confirmed, complete the Business License Application and submit via e-mail, mail or drop-off to the City. For faster service, please e-mail the application to businesslicense@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us . Once received, City staff will get back to you with the next steps in the process, including fees due and payment options, within 3-5 business days.
If you are applying for a home based business, you must apply for a Home Occupation Permit as required by the Planning Division. Please send this form along with your business license application to Toni Casados for ALL home-based businesses for review.
If you are opening a new business in a commercial location, you must submit a Zoning Information Form as required by the Planning Division to determine is the proposed location is zoned for the proposed business use. Please send this form along with your business license application to Toni Casados for review. A business license inspection may also be required as part of this process.
If you are a rental property owner, the City has a centralized website to help you better understand the process for operating rentals in El Cerrito. Please visit www.el-cerrito.org/rentalhousing for more information. For the Rent Registry, please visit www.el-cerrito.org/rentregistry .
If you are a family childcare home provider, your business is generally exempt from the City's business license tax in accordance with Senate Bill 234 - Keeping Kids Close to Home Act - effective January 1, 2020.
Effective July 1, 2024, please see the Master Fee Schedule FY2024-25 for business tax rates.
Search for currently licensed businesses operation in the City of El Cerrito. Please note that certain businesses may be excluded from this list for privacy reasons.
Create a report of currently licensed businesses.