Business Licenses
Who Needs a Business License?
A Business License is required of all entities engaging in business within the Chino Hills city limits, including home administrative offices, temporary activities and companies physically located outside of Chino Hills which conduct business activities within Chino Hills city limits.
NOTE: Before signing a lease agreement, or purchasing property, contact the Planning Division at 909-364-2740 to ensure your business use is permitted at the desired location.
How do I Apply for a Business License for IN-CITY Businesses?
(If your business is NOT in the City of Chino Hills, scroll down to see the section for OUT-OF-CITY businesses)
- Complete a business license application (see link below).
- Schedule an appointment to submit (we do not accept emailed applications).
- Fees are due at the time of application submission. See fee schedule below. Applications received without payment will not be processed.
- NOTE: ALL Home based businesses will be required to also apply for a Home Occupation Permit (see link below). ALL OTHER businesses may require a Certificate of Occupancy (CofO). Please call 909-364-2740 to speak with a staff member who can assist in determining the need for a CofO.
/DocumentCenter/View/25967/Opening-a-Business-Handout
HELPFUL LINKS
/DocumentCenter/View/25967/Opening-a-Business-Handout /DocumentCenter/View/25967/Opening-a-Business-Handout /DocumentCenter/View/25967/Opening-a-Business-Handout
Step-by-Step Guide to Opening a Business in Chino Hills
Chino Hills Business License Application
Certificate of Occupancy - Notice of Intent (No Tenant Improvements)
http://www.taxes.ca.gov/Small_Business_Assistance_Center/index.html
California Small Business Assistance Center
IN-CITY BUSINESSES
Commercial or Storefront businesses are reviewed for compliance with City zoning regulations. Based on the business type, additional Planning review may be required. For questions about Zoning, or to see if your business can locate in a particular area, contact Planning.
Home-based businesses are required to obtain a business license and a Home Occupation Permit even if the primary business activity occurs outside of the home or the business is strictly internet based. Businesses related to food are limited to the State approved Cottage Food list and may require review and approval by San Bernardino County Department of Environmental Health in addition to the City. Further information can be found in Chino Hills Municipal Code Chapter 16.56 Home Occupation Permits.
Senate Bill 205 compliance. Senate Bill 205 (SB 205) is a new California State law (effective January 1, 2020), which addresses the issues of stormwater pollution that remain unregulated by California’s clean water laws. SB 205, requires a business or person applying to the City for a new/initial business license or a renewal business license with a regulated Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code, processes and/or activities that have the potential to pollute stormwater, to demonstrate compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Industrial General Permit (IGP). Click (here Version OptionsBusiness LicensesHeadlineTo further our efforts of maintaining the health and safety of our staff and customers, please schedule an appointment to visit the Community Development or Engineering departments. Click here to view the appointment page and link.) for additional information.
| FEE TYPE (for IN-CITY businesses only) | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Business License Fee | $ 16.20 |
| State Disability Access Fee | $ 4.00 |
| City Processing Fee (does not apply for license renewals via mail or online) | $ 86.00 |
| TOTAL BUSINESS LICENSE FEES (Commercial & Residential Locations) | $106.20 |
ADDITIONAL FEES AMOUNT | |
| Home Occupation Permit Fee (Residential Locations Only) | $103.00 |
| Land Use Clearance Fee (Commercial Locations Only) | $156.00 |
| Certificate of Occupancy Fee (Commercial Locations with no T.I. Only) | $130.00 |
Exemptions for Veterans and Non-Profit Organizations
Veterans selling tangible goods and Non-Profit Organizations are exempt from paying the Business License and City Processing fees. Other fees may still apply. Non-Profit businesses shall provide documentation proving exempt status. Veterans exemption form is required at time of submittal.
OUT-OF-CITY BUSINESSES
All businesses located outside of the City of Chino Hills are required to obtain a business license if they have business activity in the City. To request a Business License, please call HdL at (909) 740-3187. See table below for fees.
| FEE TYPE (for OUT-OF-CITY businesses only) | AMOUNT | |
|---|---|---|
| Business License Fee | $16.20 | |
| State Disability Access Fee | $ 4.00 | |
| TOTAL BUSINESS LICENSE FEES* (Out of City businesses) | $20.20 |
*An $86 processing fee will be added to Out-of-City business license applications that are processed at the City of Chino Hills.
Business License Certificates
Business license certificates are sent via email once all necessary steps have been completed. If you need a duplicate certificate, please call HdL at (909) 740-3187.
Business License Renewals
Business license renewals can be completed online or by phone. Please refer to the business license renewal notice for pin information to renew online. If you need a duplicate renewal form or would like to renew by phone, please call HdL at (909) 740-3187.