Prior to signing a lease or getting started with your business plan, determine if your business type is allowed at a specific location by using the Zoning Portal. For questions regarding zoning, please call (760) 744-1050, ext. 3204.
Get building permits
If you are completing tenant improvements such as altering your floor plan by adding or removing walls; making changes to the electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems; or changing occupancy, a building permit will be required. Call (760) 744-1050, ext. 3244.
Businesses that require a fire inspection prior to business license or building permit issuance will be notified at the time of application. For more information or questions about fire inspections, contact the San Marcos Fire Department at (760) 744-1050, ext. 3410.
Make sure your sign follows the rules.
Will your ownership be sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, LLC or LLP? Contact your personal accountant or attorney for assistance. If you will be forming a corporation, LLC or LLP, you will need to file with the Secretary of State.
If your business name does not include your first and last name, then you must file a fictitious business name statement with the County of San Diego's Clerks Office. Call (619) 237-0502 or apply in person at the San Diego County Recorder's San Marcos location, 141 E. Carmel St.
Employers with employees, business partnerships and corporations must obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service. Otherwise, you can use your social security number.
Get federal employer ID number
If you will sell taxable items, get a Seller's Permit/Resale Certificate. Call (858) 385-4700 for info. Seller’s Permit # is required to be provided in your application.
Apply online
Businesses that handle food must obtain a health permit from the County of San Diego's Environmental Health Department at 5500 Overland Avenue, Ste. #170, San Diego prior to applying for a Business License. For more information, call (858) 505-6666 or visit the San Diego Environmental Health Department website.
If your business will be selling or serving alcohol, please contact the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (760) 471-4237. Any individual selling or serving alcohol, or checking ID must attend the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control's (ABC) L.E.A.D or the Responsible Beverage Sales & Service's (RBSS) training every two years.
Anyone conducting business in the City of San Marcos must have a business license.
If you will be conducting business in any cities outside of San Marcos, a separate business license will most likely be required. You must contact each city individually to determine the process.
Visit our business license page and apply based on the location of your business address.
Once your application is approved, online payment instructions will be emailed to you.
Visit our additional resources for businesses.
It is recommended that you check with the County of San Diego Hazardous Materials Division, the Air Pollution Control District and the Vallecitos Water District to see if your operations require a permit from these agencies.
For more information, visit our additional resources for trash and recycling for businesses.
To determine if additional state permits or federal permits/licenses are required, enter your business type and location into CalGOLD at www.calgold.ca.gov or visit https://calosba.ca.gov/.