Annual renewals are due January 1 (unless you operate a financial institution, an insurance company, or a non-profit on a July - June renewal cycle). There is a 45-day grace period, after which penalties are assessed. If your payment was received after February 15, you were actually more than 45 days late.
Commercial locations are periodically visited by Fire Inspectors for compliance with life safety regulations. This fee covers the cost of these inspections. If you have additional questions about this fee, please contact the Fire Prevention Bureau.
Yes, we typically allow people to make payments. However, depending on the amount due and the number of installments, we may require you to sign a promissory note and to pay interest and a processing fee. Please contact the Business Tax Division at (415) 485-3051 for details.
Every business must abide by the City’s zoning requirements. Before signing any lease or rental agreement, please contact the City's Planning Division to make sure your business activity is appropriate for the area's current zoning designation and that it will not require a public hearing or special parking considerations.
Most businesses engaged in the sale of tangible goods require a California Seller's Permit in addition to obtaining a business license. To apply, contact the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. California Department of Tax and Fee Administration 50 D Street, Room 230 Santa Rosa, CA 95404 (707) 890-6267 www.cdtfa.ca.gov
If selling or preparing food is a part of your business, you must apply for a health permit from the County of Marin Food Program in addition to obtaining a business license. Environmental Health Services 3501 Civic Center Drive San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 473-6907 www.marincounty.org/depts/cd/divisions/environmental-health-services
Check with the City's Planning Division Sign Requirements before using or installing any type of sign, flag, or banner, even balloons. Permanent and temporary signs require review and approval prior to issuance of permits and installations.
Check with the Marin County Clerk to see if you need a Fictitious Business Name in Marin. Marin County Clerk 3501 Civic Center Drive #234 San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 473-6772 www.marincounty.org/depts/ar/divisions/county-clerk/fbn
In the downtown area, there is a Business Improvement District (BID), which is comprised of standard and premium zones. If you are thinking of starting up a business downtown, you might want to review the map below to see if your address falls within either of the zones. If so, you may be charged a...
Only certain information is available to the public – for example, business and owner names, physical and mailing addresses, and business types. This information is printed on your business license certificate. We do not disclose phone numbers, e-mail addresses, or financial information to the public, except as required by law. Per Business and Professions Code...
We don't regulate business conduct, but you can contact the Marin County District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit and/or the Better Business Bureau.
San Rafael is a great place to start and grow a successful business. We are the economic heart of Marin County and home to many incredible companies. From biotech to real estate, finance to auto sales, construction to education; one of our most notable restaurants grew from our farmers' market! Our Economic Development department is here for you.
Locations north of Puerto Suello Hill is within the boundary of Las Gallinas Valley Sanitation District, and locations south of Puerto Suello Hill is within the boundary of San Rafael Sanitation District. Check out our service area!
The library offers several educational resources such as technology services, museum passes, reading buddies, research assistance, homework help, online tutoring, research assistance, and more!
If you are homeless and you need help, there are many resources available through Marin County Health & Human Services; they can help connect you to the resources that are most appropriate for your needs. Call their assistance line at 1 (415) 457-4636. If it is an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
