Business Licensing

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The City of Perris welcomes you to its business community. Starting a business can be exciting and challenging. We wish you great success in your new venture!

Section 5.04.010 of the city’s municipal code requires business owners to obtain a business license before conducting business in compliance with local regulations.

Select a topic to find more information on how to get started.

BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION

FOR COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, & STOREFRONTS

If your business is in a new, or existing building, you'll need to have it inspected so that it passes local building and business codes.

Before you begin, it's a good idea to contact a City Planner or Building Permits Technician at (951) 943-5003 from the City of Perris to answer questions you may have including:

ZONING: Is the prospective location or building you are looking at zoned for the type of business you plan to engage in?
BUILDING: Is the building up to present city codes (structural, electrical, etc.)?
SIGNS: If you plan to erect advertising structures, you must apply for sign permits.
MISCELLANEOUS: Certificate of Occupancy, commercial hoods, grease and/or sand traps, building permits, etc., may be required before your business can be opened.

Special permits are required for solicitors, sidewalk vendors, food trucks, secondhand dealers, swap meets, amusement centers, tow trucks, taxis, bingo games, yard sales, dog kennels, ambulances, large family daycare centers, alarms, filming, and painting numbers on curbs.

The payment of a business license fee for transacting and carrying on business under Title V will not relieve you from the payment of any fee for the privilege of doing such business required under any other ordinance of the City or the regulatory provision of other ordinances.

If you change location - or business ownership
Upon receipt of a business license a change of your location or ownership of the business should be filed with this office. A new application is required for both instances. A change of location will not incur an additional license fee, but there is a nominal fee for a replacement license. A change of ownership is treated as a new business.

Food Trucks & Sidewalk Vendors

Definitions

Food Trucks – any motorized device or vehicle by which any person or property may be propelled or moved upon a highway, or which may be drawn or towed by a motorized vehicle, from which food or food products are sold, offered for sale, displayed, bartered, exchanged or otherwise given as defined in section 5.17.020 of the Municipal Code.

Roaming Sidewalk Vendor – a sidewalk vendor who moves from place to place and stops only to complete a transaction as defined in section 5.18.020 of the Municipal Code.

Stationary Sidewalk Vendor – a sidewalk vendor who vends from a fixed location as defined in section 5.18.020 of the Municipal Code.

Note: Effective July 1, 2025 – applicants must reach out to the Development Services department to initiate the location and compliance review Food Trucks and Sidewalk Vendors prior to business licensing.

Schedule an appointment to visit us at the city for the next steps!

Development Services Department

Address: 135 N. “D” Street, Perris, CA 92570

Phone: (951) 943-5003

HOME-BASED BUSINESSES

Home-based businesses or home occupations are governed by Municipal Code Section 19.20.020.

The following are some basic guidelines:

All operations are carried on within the dwelling.
The premises shall not be used as a place of business or point of sale of the products of such home occupation.
All operations in connection with such home occupation shall be conducted so as to prevent the emanation of any dust, gas, smoke, noise, fumes, odors, vibrations, or electrical disturbances, which are or may be detrimental to the welfare of the occupants of surrounding properties.
There is no alteration in the residential character of the premises in connection with such vocation or trade.
Not more than twenty-five percent of the ground floor area of the dwelling shall be occupied or used.
No motor other than electrically driven motors shall be used in connection with the business and that the total horsepower of such motors shall not exceed three horsepower, or one horsepower for any single motor.
No merchandise or articles shall be displayed for advertising purposes.
No merchandise or articles pertaining to such home occupation shall be stored other than in the dwelling.
No assistants shall be employed in connection therewith.

Resources & References

State Requirements: Many businesses require additional permits from the State. Check the list below to ensure you have obtained the required permits to operate your business.

If ownership is other than a Sole Proprietor must be registered with the California Secretary of State.
If you prepare or sell food contact the Riverside County Environmental Health Dept.
If using a fictitious name or dba, contact the Riverside County Recorder.
If you buy or sell, tangible goods contact the State Board of Equalization.
If you need an employer tax ID contact the I.R.S and Franchise Tax Board.
If your business will have employees contact the Employment Development Dept.

If your business is industrial, review Senate Bill 205/891 and reach out to the State Water Resources Control Board to ensure compliance.

FAQs

How do I apply for a business license?

Applications can be submitted online or made via phone. Please refer to the “Business License Application” tab found in this page.

What do I need to apply for a business license?

The requirements would depend on the type of business you are applying for. It is highly recommended to reach out to our licensing staff to review your type of business and related requirements. Please reach out to (951) 404-0586 to discuss.

What is the processing time for business license applications?

A response to your initial application is expected between 3-5 business days. License issuance depends on the type of business and the applicant’s completion of all requirements.

Can I apply over the counter?

We do not have paper applications. Our application is embedded online for efficiency purposes. As an alternative, you can start your application via phone by calling our licensing staff at (951) 404-0586.

What happens after I submit my application?

Your application will be reviewed by the licensing staff. If applicable, staff will provide you with a list of additional or outstanding requirements.

A fees due notice, which includes how to pay instructions, license account number, and PIN number, will be emailed to you.

When all information or applicable requirements have been received, your application will be reviewed for issuance.

Upon issuance, you will receive an email with a copy of your business license tax certificate.

When do I need to renew my business license?

Business licenses are issued on an annual basis and must be renewed before the expiration date listed on your license. Renewal notices are typically sent 30–60 days prior to expiration; however, it is the business owner’s responsibility to ensure timely renewal, regardless of whether a notice is received.

What happens if I don’t get or renew a business license?

Operating without a valid business license is a violation of the Perris Municipal Code. Accounts that remain unpaid may accrue penalties, interest, and collection fees. Continued non-compliance may also result in enforcement action, including citations or legal proceedings.

Is my City of Perris license valid for all cities?

No, your Perris business license is only valid within Perris city limits; all municipalities have different fee schedules, and a universal business license does not exist.

Yes. Short-term rentals are considered rental businesses under the municipal code and require a valid business license, just like long-term residential or commercial rentals.

Are there any exemptions from needing a business license?

Most businesses operating in the City of Perris require a license. Certain limited exemptions may apply, such as specific nonprofit organizations or government entities. If you believe your business may qualify for an exemption, please contact our license issuing agency at (951) 404-0586 for verification.

I don’t know my business type. Who can I reach out to?

If you are not sure of what type of business you are applying for, it is recommended that you reach out to our licensing staff to discuss and confirm. You may call (951) 404-0586 and our staff is always happy to help.