Business Licenses
Business License Applications
Small businesses are essential to our City’s economy. The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea is here to make sure you have everything you need to succeed. Explore our content and resources to help you manage and do business in the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Business License Renewal Worksheet 7/1/25
New Businesses & Application Forms
Fixed Location Application
Used for brick and mortar storefronts, restaurants, commercial properties, hotels and transient rentals. Fixed Location ApplicationPrior to submitting a Business License Application for a new business or a location change of an existing business, please contact the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) to ensure there is adequate water available on the site for the proposed use. Verification of water availability may be required. MPWMD can be reached (831) 658-5601.
Home Occupations
Used for home offices and in-home art instruction. Home Business License ApplicationIn-and-About Businesses
Used if you are doing business in the city but your business is not located in the city limits. In-and-About Business License ApplicationIn-and-About Business License Reactivation
Additional Resources and Forms
Commercial Sign Information
Use Permit Application Requirements
General Planning Application(Used to apply for Conditional Use Permits or Business Sign
ADA Resource Notice
Business License Renewals
The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea has newly implemented an online reporting and payment portal for Business License Renewals.
Click HERE to renew your business license online.
Business License Renewals will be accepted online or in person at the City Hall Administration counter starting July 1 for the prior fiscal year.
Business License Renewals are due no later than July 31st.
The license renewal fee is $22. The renewal tax is $1.00 per $1,000 of GROSS revenues for the period July 1 of the prior year through June 30 of the current year.
Business License Renewal Worksheet 7/1/25
If you have any questions, please contact City Hall at 831-620-2000.
Submitting Your Business License Application
Completed Business License Applications may be submitted in person at City Hall. The City also accepts business licenses via email, online submission, and USPS.
Fixed Locations & Home Occupation Business Licenses Only:
Online Applications:
Electronic applications for Fixed Location or Home Business licenses ONLY can be submitted through the following link: https://carmellicense.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/carmellicense.
At City Hall:
New fixed location business licenses can be submitted at the Community Planning and Building Department counter (second window).
Via Email:
Via USPS:
City of Carmel
c/o Community Planning and Building
PO Box CC
Carmel, CA 93921
The Application Fee for a new fixed location business license is $352 or $150 for a new Home Occupation License. The application fees may be paid over the phone with a credit card (additional 3.5% bank fee applies) or by mailing a check to the address above. The fees may also be paid in person at City Hall.
In-and-About, Delivery Business Licenses, and Renewals Only:
At City Hall:
New In-and-About Licenses and Business License Renewals can be submitted at the Administrative Services counter (first window).
Via USPS:
City of Carmel
c/o Anna Aubuchon
PO Box CC
Carmel, CA 93921
The Application Fee for the In-and-About License is $27. Please include a check made out to “City of Carmel” when mailing the application to the address above. If paying by a credit card in person, an additional 2.5% bank fee will apply.
Contact Us
For questions regarding applying for a Fixed Location or Home Occupation Business Licenses, please contact the Community Planning and Building Department:
planning@ci.carmel.ca.us
(831) 620-2010
Evan Kort
Senior Planner
ekort@ci.carmel.ca.us
(831) 620-2023
Jake Olander
Associate Planner
jolander@ci.carmel.ca.us
(831) 620-2027
For questions regarding applying for an In-and-About Business License Applications, or questions regarding Business License Renewals, please contact:
Anna Aubuchon
Finance Specialist
aaubuchon@ci.carmel.ca.us
(831) 620-2039
