Business

Business Licenses

The City of Del Mar requires all businesses conducting “transactions and carrying on of business within the city” to obtain an annual business license. Home-based businesses and those that operate through a post office box are also required to obtain a business license. For information, please see the Business License frequently asked questions page.

Notice: The issuance of a business license does not supersede the zoning, planning, or operating regulations found in the City of Del Mar Municipal Code (DMMC). Please check city regulations before applying for a business license. It is the business owner’s responsibility to obtain all required permits. Conducting business without the required permits may result in a citation and/or fine. Please contact City Hall for more information regarding applicable regulations.

Update 11/21/2022:  The City has partnered with HdL Companies to administer all aspects of business licensing services for the City including processing of business license initial applications and annual renewals, payments, compliance, and general support. Beginning December 19, 2022, all inquiries and communications related to business licensing will be handled by HdL Companies.  For new business license applications prior to December 19, 2022, please contact businesslicense@delmar.ca.us or call the Finance Department at 858-755-9354.

As part of this transition to HdL Companies, the City’s business license annual renewal process will be slightly delayed this year. No business license renewal applications will be accepted prior to December 19, 2022. HdL will mail out business license renewal information to each business shortly after December 19, 2022, which will include an introductory letter from HdL’s Business Support Center with contact information; your business’s unique account number and access PIN; and instructions for processing your business license renewal. All businesses will have until February 28, 2023, to renew without penalty.

Additional business-related forms and applications are available in the Forms Center (Business Section).

Specific Permits

For questions regarding planning or zoning regulations, contact the Planning Department at 858-755-9313.