Getting a Business License

With few exceptions all businesses located within the city limits of Menlo Park are required to have a valid business license from the City of Menlo Park. Businesses located outside the City of Menlo Park conducting business activity within the City limits are required to have a City of Menlo Park business license. Businesses that operate from a residential address in Menlo Park are also required to obtain a home occupation permit from the Planning Department before business operations begin. Be aware that all cities regulate business activity by location. Check with the Planning Department to ensure that your business is permissible in the location you are considering.

The City collects a business license tax for doing business within the city limits based on the business gross receipts or the number of employees. Payment of the license tax can be made by mail with check or credit card or in person with cash, check or credit card. Applications can also be filed by FAX with credit card information. Businesses will be able to legally conduct business as soon as the license is approved. Notification of approval is normally mailed within one week. Applicants can also call the business license office to confirm the license approval. You can reach the Business License office at 650.330.6642.

You can find all printable forms you may need for getting a business license in the box in the column to the left. For further valuable advice on operating a business, access the web sites listed at the top of the column.