Business License

Business License Application and Renewals are Online
The City of Burlingame has partnered with HdL Companies for business license management. All new applications, annual renewal notices, payments, compliance, and customer support will be through HdL Companies.

Renewals were mailed out on July 17, 2023, you should be receiving your renewal shortly.   The due date/grace period has been extended to October 31, 2023.  To renew your license prior to getting your notice in the mail, please call HdL at 650-844-6689.

To apply for a new license or renew with your renewal notice please use the following link to our Online Application/Renewal Portal .  

Contact HdL at :
City of Burlingame
Processing Center
8839 N. Cedar Ave,  #212
Fresno, CA  93720
Phone:  650-844-6689
Burlingame@hdlgov.com
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. pst.
BUSINESS LICENSES  PROCESSING CHANGES  EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2023

On November 8, 2022, a ballot measure was passed to increase the business license flat fee from $100.  The new rates range from $200 to $750, and 5% gross receipts for non-storefront marijuana businesses.

The City of Burlingame has partnered with HdL Companies to help implement these changes. Starting July 10, 2023, all new applications, annual renewal notices, payments, compliance, and customer support will be through HdL Companies.

As of July 10, 2023, you will have to contact HdL Companies with any queries and communications related to business licensing.

Partnering with HdL Companies will continue to allow you to apply for new licenses and pay fees online. In addition, you will now be able to pay by phone and obtain business license copies online.
 
The Municipal Code requires that any person who engages in a business in Burlingame must obtain and maintain a valid business license.  Most licenses are issued to individuals and firms located in commercial or industrial districts.  However, some types of businesses may be conducted from a home if certain standards and conditions are met.  For these businesses, a Home Occupation Permit, as well as a business license, is required.  Please visit the Home Occupation webpage for more information.

A business license is issued without verification that the licensee is subject to or exempt from licensing by the state, county, federal, or any other governmental agency.  It is issued for revenue purposes only and does not constitute a permit to operate a business in violation of city ordinances or state laws.  Each first time license must be approved by the city departments of building, fire, planning and the county health department, as may be required.

SB205 STORMWATER DISCHARGE COMPLIANCE.
Any business required to obtain a storm water permit under the federal Clean Water Act through enrollment with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program must complete the companion NPDES Permit Enrollment Verification Form.

SB 1383 COMPOSTING COMPLIANCE
Any business that generates organic waste must enroll in a composting program. Connect with Recology at 650-595-3900 to set up landfill, recycling, and composting service.

DISPOSABLE FOOD SERVICE WARE ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS.
All food facilities, including restaurants, food trucks, farmers’ markets, catering operations, etc. that operate in the City of Burlingame are required to comply with the Disposable Food Service Ware Ordinance. This law regulates the type of single-use foodware used and how foodware accessories (e.g., straws, utensils, etc.) are distributed. If you are a food operating business applying for a business license in Burlingame, find out how to comply here: www.burlingame.org/disposables. 

Contact Us:
City of Burlingame
Processing Center
8839 N. Cedar Ave,  #212
Fresno, CA  93720
Phone:  650-844-6689
Burlingame@hdlgov.com

Business License Tax Fees
Business License fees are a local tax for revenue purposes only.  Business License Certificates are non-transferable documents and must be posted in a conspicuous place.  It is the owner’s sole responsibility to renew it annually.  A change in ownership requires new owner(s) to register their businesses.

Businesses approved and located on Broadway automatically become members of the Broadway Burlingame Business Improvement District. The Broadway BID was approved by the Burlingame City Council on July 6, 1992. The BID assesses every merchant on Broadway a yearly fee based on the type of business and number of employees. The yearly fees are collected by the City of Burlingame at the time Business License fees are collected. The funds are then transferred to the BID advisory board whose yearly budget is approved by the council. For further information, please contact the Business License Office.

BUSINESS LICENSE TAX ON PARKING FACILITIES
The Municipal Code requires parking facilities to submit a quarterly tax return and remit a business license tax of 5% of total gross receipts. The quarterly tax return is due on or before the last day of the month following the close of each calendar quarter. (Jan-Mar; Apr-Jun; Jul-Sep; Oct-Dec)

For complete rules, regulations and rates for Business Licenses, please contact:

City of Burlingame 
Processing Center
8839 N. Cedar Ave #212
Fresno, CA 93720
650-844-6689

Business License and Professions Code

CCFD Business License Inspection Sheet 2022