Business Licenses (BOTC) Updated: May 27, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
You are required to have a license if you operate a business within your residence. The form is available by fax, email, downloaded from the website or it can be picked up at City Hall.
Please contact our Business License Clerk for more information at (562) 409-7527.
To find out if a business is licensed in Santa Fe Springs, please call the Business License Clerk at (562) 409-7527 or you may use GoSFS to send us your question (or request):
If you haven't used GoSFS before, you will need to create an account. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.
To get a copy of your business license, we require a request in writing. There is a $5.00 fee for the duplicate license. The copy can be mailed (no P.O. boxes) or it can be picked up form City Hall. You may also use GoSFS to send us your request.
If you haven't used GoSFS before, you will need to create an account to use this system. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.
New forms need to be completed by the new owner. You can download the application or pick up the forms from City Hall/Finance Department. If you have any questions, please contact our business license clerk at (562) 868-0511.
In-City Businesses are on a Fiscal Year (July 1 – June 30) Basis.
Contractors: Year-to-Date (12 months from month issued)
All vehicle-related businesses: Expire every December 31st.
Miscellaneous-Out-Of-City Businesses: Year-to-Date (12 months from month issued)
The business license fee depends on various criterias such as the type of business you operate, the number of employees, etc... Please contact our Business License Clerk at (562) 409-7527.
Please download our business application form at:
If your question related to Business Licenses isn't listed above, please call the Business License Clerk at (562) 409-7527 or you may send us your question (or request) using GoSFS:
If you haven't used our GoSFS app before, you will need to create an account to use this system. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.
For a change of location within the City of Santa Fe Springs, a new application needs to be completed. Follow the steps for a new In-City Business.
If you have questions, please call the Business License Clerk at (562) 409-7527 or you can use our GoSFS to send request for information:
If you haven't used our GoSFS app before, you will need to create an account to use this system. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.
If your business is physically located in Santa Fe Springs:
The business license is based on the number of employees ; an employee is defined as: "All individuals engaged in the operation or conduct of any business in the city, whether as owner, any member of the owner’s family, partner, agent, officer, manager, solicitor and any other persons employed or working in such business." MC Chapter 35: Taxation 35.070 ('64 Code, § 13-1) (Ordinance 50 & Ordinance 397)
• 0 – 5 Employees is $100.00
• Plus $4.00 for every employee over 5
• Plus $2.00 for every employee over 300
• There is an initial $50.00 processing fee for all new applicants. Renewal processing fee is $35.00
• Fire Department inspection fee based on the square footage of the location you are occupying
There is a transfer fee of $30.00*. The Fire Department inspection fee is also charged due to the new location and/or the ownership change. If two of the following occur (name change/owner change/address change), it is considered a new Business. See calculation above for businesses physically located in Santa Fe Springs.
*A new application packet needs to be completed and hand-delivered to City Hall.
If your business has changed its business name:
There is a $5.00 transfer fee. If the change includes a change of ownership, it is considered a new business. See calculation above for businesses physically located in Santa Fe Springs.
If your business is outside the City:Contractors:
General Contractor (A or B License with the Contractor’s State License Board) the total fee is $180.00.
$150.00 for a General Contractor and $30.00 processing fee
Sub-Contractor (C or D License with the Contractor’s State License Board) the total fee is $130.00.
$100.00 for a Sub-Contractor and $30.00 processing fee
Janitorial Service/Mobile Car Wash/Catering Trucks/Taxi Company/Recyclable Dealers/Consultant/etc:
There are several businesses categorized in the "Miscellaneous-Out-of-City" fee schedule:
• Mobile Car Wash
• Janitorial Service
• Consultant
• Pest Control/Termite Exterminator
• Environmental Analyst
The cost for businesses categorized under "Miscellaneous-Out-of-City" is $100.00 and $50.00 processing fee
You can download our business application form here. For more information, please contact our Business License Clerk at (562) 409-7527.
You have two options:
1. Mail in written notification that you have left the City; indicate your leave date and your new address.
2. Use GoSFS to notify the City that you have left the City.
If you haven't used our GoSFS before, you will need to create an account. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.