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1. Who needs a business license in the City of Del Mar?

The City of Del Mar Ordinance Title 5 requires all businesses, including home-based businesses, conducting transactions and carrying on of business within the city to obtain an annual business license. Businesses that operate through a post office box are also required to obtain a business license.

2. How do I apply for a City of Del Mar new business license?

To apply for a City of Del Mar business license, you must fill out a business license application and pay a business license tax to the Finance Department. You may obtain an application via mail, fax, website, or in person.

3. What period does the City of Del Mar Business license cover?

The business license covers one calendar year from January 1 through December 31 and must be renewed annually.

4. Are Del Mar Business Licenses pro-rated?

The business license is not pro-rated. However, the business license tax is based on the estimated gross receipts from the business start date to the end of the calendar year (December 31). The minimum cost is $30.

5. When are business license renewals due? Are there any penalties?

The City of Del Mar mails business license renewals each year on/or about December 1. Business license renewals are due on December 31 of each calendar year. If we do not receive payment for the business license renewal by January 31, a 20% penalty charge will be applied to your delinquent tax each month of delinquency until payment has been received. For example, for one month delinquency, the penalty is 20%, for two months delinquency, the penalty is 40%.

6. Does the City of Del Mar accept credit card payments for business licenses?

The City of Del Mar accepts Visa and MasterCard payments for business licenses. Credit card payments may be made in person at the Finance Department, 1050 Camino del Mar.

7. How do I obtain an Operations Permit for Commercial Filming?

In addition to obtaining a Del Mar business license, applicants must submit a letter of intent to the Community Services Department that describes the filming activities. A per day filming fee will be assessed based on the activities described. Current commercial liability insurance naming the City as the additional insured is required.

Del Mar Municipal Code 6.20

8. How do I obtain a sign permit for my business location's signage?

Please review the Administrative Sign Review Guide for details. Administrative Sign Review Guide