Frequently Asked Questions

If yes, all businesses operating and/or conducting business in the City are required to have a Business License. Please refer to the letter you received for further instructions on how to proceed. If you have submitted the required form that was linked in the letter, or contacted our office at  ext. 4694, then no further action is required from you at this time. Please be assured that we are tracking all the responses.

Please note: Many letters were intended for specific people and/or businesses. Therefore, if the business does not belong to you, it may belong to a previous resident or owner. Please do not be alarmed of identity theft.

All businesses in the City of Escondido are required to obtain a business license. Please visit the main Business Page for information on how to obtain one.

Yes, all outside businesses conducting business in the City of Escondido are required to have a business license.

Business license fees are based on the annual gross receipts as reported on Federal Income Tax Form Schedule "C". Businesses located in Escondido are required to report all annual gross receipts earned by the business.

Outside businesses are only required to report annual gross receipts earned in the City of Escondido.

Yes, by using our new online portal. Visit the portal and follow the instructions.

Yes, you can pay business license fees on line by using our new online portal.

The City of Escondido does not accept business license payments by telephone.

Change of address cannot be done online through the portal. Please contact Business License at 760-839-4659 or by email.

Signage in the City of Escondido requires an application and review by the Planning Division. Please contact the Planning Division at 760-839-4671.

The amount of sign coverage allowed depends on the zoning of your property. Please contact the Planning Division at 760-839-4671.

The Planning Division may require a Special Event Permit. Please contact them at 760-839-4671.

Garage/yard sales do not require a permit or business license. Garage/yard sales may take place four times a year and may last up to three consecutive days. The sale may take place between 8 am and 6 pm. Garage/yard sales are permitted only at single-family residences, including mobile home lots. Division 7. Garage and Yard Sales.

Yes, as long as you have a valid City of Escondido business license.