Business Licensing

Ready to serve, our virtual doors are open - Most licensing services can be done remotely via phone or online. In-person appointments are also available.

Thank you for your partnership with the City of Rancho Cucamonga.

Apply for a Business License

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Renew a Business License

Appeal a Citation

Street Vendors (English)

Street Vendors (Spanish)

The Business Licensing Division is responsible for the issuance and annual renewal of all Business Licenses to all persons transacting and carrying on business within the City. This includes the issuance of permits for

Solicitor's, Sales of Goods or Merchandise from vehicles such as catering trucks, ice cream trucks, sidewalk vending, handbills, short-term rental as well as permits for bingo. The Business License Division also ensures compliance with the City's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Ordinance which requires monthly reporting and remittances by the City’s various hotels and its Admissions Tax Ordinance which requires monthly reporting and remittances by various businesses in the City that charge an entry fee. The City's TOT and Admission’s Tax rate is currently at 10%. A business license must be obtained prior to commencing business in the City.

We hope that you will be successful in your business endeavor and wish to thank you for choosing to conduct your business in the City of Rancho Cucamonga. The City's Business Licensing staff is also available to provide you with assistance or answer any questions you may have about obtaining or renewing a business license.

-Your Business Licensing Staff

Obtaining a Business License

What you need to know to get started.

Obtain a Business License Application form by downloading a copy online or obtaining a copy in person at the City’s Business License Division. You may also apply online for a business license by following the steps below.

Note: Some businesses CANNOT apply online. These include any business requiring additional permits such as:

Solicitor
Catering Truck
School

Sidewalk Vendor
Massage Establishment
Sales of Goods or Merchandise from Vehicles

Before applying, please have ready the following items that may apply to your business:

Federal Tax ID Number
Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer ID No. (ITIN) or Driver's License No. or other ID No.
Seller's Permit Number (required for all retail or wholesale businesses)
Professional State License Number (if applicable) for example: Contractors, Doctors, Lawyers, Cosmetologist's and Massage Technicians
Job location and job value (out of city contractors only)
501(c)(3) or similar IRS exemption certification letter for Non-Profit Charitable Organizations
A detailed and complete description of your business activity. Insufficient detail will delay the process and approval.
A Home Occupation Permit (HOP) is required if conducting business from a Rancho Cucamonga residential location.
- When applying in person bring in a completed HOP application.
- HOP must be signed by the property owner or property management company.
Business License Questionnair e is required if conducting business from a Rancho Cucamonga commercial or industrial location.
- If applying in person, bring the completed Business License Questionnaire Form.
- If applying online, complete the Business License Questionnaire and save the document for later use as an attachment to your business license application.
If applying for a business that is located in a commercial or industrial location within the City of Rancho Cucamonga, the signature of the property owner or property management company is required, or a copy of the executed lease agreement will be accepted in lieu of signatures.
If applying for a business license using a P.O. Box in Rancho Cucamonga as the physical place of business then a completed USPS 1583 form must be submitted with your application.
Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit cards are accepted for final payment.
If you need assistance or need more information, contact the Business License Division at (909) 919-2948 or email us at BusinessLicense@CityofRC.us

After submitting your application online, you'll receive a confirmation email within acknowledging that we have received your application. You may receive an additional email asking for further detailed information that may include review and approval by the Planning Department. After the application has been approved you will receive an email notifying you of the approval along with instructions on how to submit payment.

We wish you much success in your business venture.

AB 3002 Business License, Building Permit Model Notice

Assembly Bill 3002 went into effect on January 1, 2019, which provides information regarding disability access requirements and resources to business owners. To read the full notice in English click HERE. To view in other languages click HERE.

Apply For A Business License

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Information On Renewing Your Business License

Penalties

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Other Important Information

Additional Agency Contact Information

Rancho Cucamonga Business Search

Marijuana Business Information

Starting a Cannabis Business? Not in Rancho Cucamonga.

All marijuana/cannabis businesses are illegal in Rancho Cucamonga. This includes all medical and recreational stores, delivery services, commercial growing, product manufacturing, and testing labs. Since these businesses are not allowed, the Bureau of Cannabis Cultivation will not issue state licenses to operate in Rancho Cucamonga.

If you open a cannabis business in Rancho Cucamonga, you can expect to be shut down immediately and prosecuted. To find out where you can legally operate a cannabis business in another city in California, contact the Bureau of Cannabis Control at 833-768-5880 or www.bcc.ca.gov.

Rancho Cucamonga Municipal Code Chapter 8.52 CANNABIS PROHIBITIONS AND REGULATIONS

Rancho Cucamonga Municipal Code Chapter 17.94 COMMERCIAL CANNABIS USES AND CULTIVATION

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I start a marijuana business in Rancho Cucamonga?

You can’t – they are illegal.

Are there any cannabis businesses I can do from my home?

No. All cannabis businesses are illegal in Rancho Cucamonga.

Marijuana is legal in California – Can I grow and sell it?

No, not in Rancho Cucamonga. Some cities do allow commercial cultivation of cannabis; check with the Bureau of Cannabis Control www.bcc.ca.gov to find out where you can legally operate a cannabis business in California.

Can I grow pot for my personal use?

State law and Rancho Cucamonga’s Municipal Code allow cultivation of six or fewer plants per home for personal use. Plants must be grown indoors; outdoor growing is illegal. Please check with the Building and Safety Department regarding any changes to your plumbing and/or electrical systems to support an indoor growing space. You can make an appointment by calling the Building and Safety Department at 909-477-2710.

Can I grow my personal cannabis plants in a shed or similar building on my property?

Yes, if the shed is totally enclosed with four walls, a roof, and a lock on the door. The shed or building’s power and water utilities must be permitted and built to code. For assistance, please contact Building and Safety at 909-477-2710.

Where can I smoke marijuana?

State law allows personal use on your private property. At home, use is permitted in your backyard if it is not visible from the street or any other public place. Using cannabis in a public place, such as a public sidewalk or on a restaurant patio, or anywhere visible to the public, front yard, apartment patio or balcony, is against the law. If you rent and/or have and HOA you must contact them for further regulations.

Can I have pot delivered to me?

While the City adopted a ban on deliveries into Rancho Cucamonga, the state has taken action to permit delivery anywhere in California, despite our city ban. There is currently court litigation pending that may prohibit deliveries in the future, but for now, it is legal.

How do I report a possible illegal grow or other marijuana nuisance?

You may either contact Community Improvement by phone at 909-477-4247 or via email at Communityimprovement@cityofrc.us, or contact We Tip confidentially at 800-78-CRIME.

New Business License Listings

Transient Occupancy Tax

Senate Bill 205