Business License & Zone Clearance Application

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For information about  other types of permits, licenses, or approvals you may need from other agencies, please go to the CalGold webpage at:  https://www.calgold.ca.gov/

Businesses in commercial areas need to obtain a Zone Clearance Form prior to the issuance of a business license. This is necessary to establish a new business, as well as to relocate an existing business in Redlands. Follow the link provided below to apply for a business license.

Zone Clearance Form

You will need to complete a Zone Clearance form as part of the business license application process. To check to see if your proposed use is going to be allowable at the desired business location, please contact the Planning Division (click here) prior to completing and submitting a Zone Clearance Form.

It is NOT necessary to sign a lease or enter into any other type of contract for you to apply for a business license or submit a Zone Clearance Form. 

HINT: Download the Zone Clearance Form to your desktop before completing the signing the form. The form fields can be filled in and you can insert your electronic signature (PDF required). You can then save your information on your desktop, you can come back and complete it later if necessary, and then keep a copy of your signed form for your records. 

Questions? If you have any questions about the form or information being requested on the form, please contact us at the One Stop Permit Center at (909) 798 – 7551 and then press 3 for Planning.

How to apply for a Business License 

Go to the Revenue Division webpage to submit your Business License application form electronically (click here) and the Zone Clearance Form, and pay the applicable fees.  

PLEASE  NOTE:  In some cases, the business owner or operator may need to schedule a subsequent inspection by Building Division and/or Fire Department staff (subsequent to issuance of a business license). The inspection may be necessary prior to opening your business to the public. If you have any questions about Building Code requirements, occupancy rating, possible inspections, or other steps prior to opening your business, please be sure to call the Building Division in the One Stop Permit Center and speak with a permit technician.  

Other Permits

In addition to a business license, additional permits may be necessary. If you intend to do any construction or improvements to the tenant space, please contact Building staff in the One Stop Permit Center for further information.  In some cases, a Building Permit or Fire Permit from the City may be required for the proposed construction or activity, including but not limited to:

  • Interior tenant improvements
  • Changes to electrical wiring, mechanical systems, structural systems, etc.
  • Change of occupancy or Building Code rating 
  • Special occupancy ratings (e.g., public assembly uses, educational, etc.)
  • Installing a hood system (e.g., restaurants)
  • Installing fire sprinklers
  • High-pile storage (e.g., warehouses)
  • Use or storage of hazardous materials

Permit Assistance & Other Resources

For further information about  other types of permits, licenses, or approvals you may need from other agencies (depending on the type of use or business activities), please go to the CalGold webpage:  https://www.calgold.ca.gov/

If you have other questions about business assistance or are searching for commercial sites, please visit our Economic Development webpage: https://www.cityofredlands.org/economic-development

F.A.Q.

Q: If I want to change my business location in Redlands, do I need to update my business license? 
A: Yes, you will need to apply for a new business license with the new address. 

Q: If I need to change the ownership for the business, do I need a new business license? 
A: Yes, you should apply to obtain a business license with the new owner’s name. 

Q: If I want to change the type of business or use and keep my same location, do I need a new business license?
A: Yes, a change of use requires a new business license for the new type of activity. 

Q: I want to hang a banner or temporary sign for my business (grand opening, special sales events, etc.). What are the requirements? 
A: Please see the Sign Regulations for further information (Article III of Chapter 15.36 – click here)

Q: If I want to operate a business from my residence, do I need a business license?
A: Yes, in most cases. In addition, you will need a Home Occupation Permit (click here).

Grand Opening Events 

Some types of Grand Opening events (such as those held in a parking lot) may need to apply for a Special Event permit from the Planning Division. Special event facilities may be approved for a maximum of three (3) consecutive days of use, and a maximum of four (4) permits may be issued to any property in any calendar year.

Click here to go to the Planning Applications page.
The application filing fee is $175.00 for a Temporary or Special Event Permit (through Feb. 3, 2024).
After February 4, 2024, the application filing fee will be $385.00.

Further information about the code requirements can be found in RMC Chapter 18.195 (click here)

Other types of permits may be needed depending on the proposed facilities or activities, such as an electrical permit (from the Building & Safety Division) if the facility needs to be energized. For large tents or canopies, other Building or Fire Dept. permits may be needed. Please contact the Building Division staff in the One Stop Permit Center if you have any questions about additional permit requirements. 

For Grand Opening banners or temporary signs, a Temporary Sign Permit is required from the Planning Division. The application form is available on the Planning Applications page (click here). Please see the Sign Regulations for further information about banners and temporary signs (Article III of Chapter 15.36 – click here)

Temporary Sales & Special Events 

Temporary sales and other special events (such as those held in a parking lot) will need to apply for a Temporary Sales & Special Event permit from the Planning Division. Special event facilities may be approved for a maximum of three (3) consecutive days of use, and a maximum of four (4) permits may be issued to any property in any calendar year.

Click here to go to the Planning Applications page.
The application filing fee is $175.00 for a Temporary or Special Event Permit (through Feb. 3, 2024). 
After February 4, 2024, the application filing fee will be $385.00.

Further information about the code requirements can be found in RMC Chapter 18.195 (click here)

Other types of permits may be needed depending on the proposed facilities or activities, such as an electrical permit (from the Building & Safety Division) if the facility needs to be energized. For large tents or canopies, other Building or Fire Dept. permits may be needed. Please contact the Building Division staff in the One Stop Permit Center if you have any questions about additional permit requirements. 

For  temporary signs related to special sales events, a Temporary Sign Permit is required from the Planning Division. The application form is available on the Planning Applications page (click here). Please see the Sign Regulations for further information about banners and temporary signs (Article III of Chapter 15.36 – click here)

Temporary Holiday Sales 

A “holiday sales facility” means an indoor or outdoor facility established during the period beginning on September 15 and ending on January 15 which is devoted primarily to the sale of goods and services related to the holidays occurring during this period (e.g., Halloween pumpkins, Christmas trees and decorations, and the like). Temporary holiday sales facilities are permitted in any zoning district.

Click here to go to the Planning Applications page.
The application filing fee is $37.00 for a Temporary Holiday Sales Application (through Feb. 3, 2024).
After February 4, 2024, the application filing fee will be $316.00.

Further information about the code requirements can be found in RMC Chapter 18.194 (click here)

Other types of permits may be needed depending on the proposed facilities or activities, such as an electrical permit (from the Building & Safety Division) if the facility needs to be energized. For large tents or canopies, other Building or Fire Dept. permits may be needed. Please contact the Building Division staff in the One Stop Permit Center if you have any questions about additional permit requirements. 

For  temporary signs related to holiday sales events, a Temporary Sign Permit is required from the Planning Division. The application form is available on the Planning Applications page (click here). Please see the Sign Regulations for further information about banners and temporary signs (Article III of Chapter 15.36 – click here)