Steps before applying for a business license

Before applying, review the Steps to starting a business to ensure all required filings, licenses, permits, or approvals are completed. Once ready, determine your rate type using the Business License tax and fee schedule.

In Fall 2024, the City Council adopted a fee adjustment under Resolution 2024-9389 to bring administrative fees in line with current needs. Effective March 14, 2025, the City will collect administrative fees to recover costs associated with issuing business licenses. For details, visit the fee adjustment website.

Apply for a new business license

Please ensure the email address provided in the application under Owner 1 is for an individual who should receive license notifications. Add smbusinesslicense@san-marcos.net as a safe sender or check your spam/junk folder for emails.

• Home-based businesses: Located within your residence in San Marcos.
• In-city businesses: Located within San Marcos city limits but not in your residence.
• Out-of-city businesses: Located outside San Marcos city limits.

When to submit a new business license application

• If your business address (San Marcos only) or ownership has changed, you must complete a new application.

Don't miss your renewal notice

Ensure the City has your correct email address on file before your license expires. If you have not received a renewal notice or email 45 days before your license expiration, email smbusinesslicense@san-marcos.net to request your security code. Add this email address as a safe sender or check your spam/junk folder to receive updates.

Click here to renew or close your business license (requires license number and security code).

Stormwater discharge regulations 

Senate Bill (SB) 205 places additional requirements for business license applications and renewals involving an industrial business that is regulated by the Industrial General Permit for stormwater discharge (officially called the State General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activities Excluding Construction Activities). 

• Applicants that fall under a certain category will need to provide under penalty of perjury their primary State Industrial Classification (SIC) Code.
• If the SIC Code is regulated by the IGP then one of the following must also be provided: Waste Discharge Identification Number (WDID), WDID Application Number, No Exposure Certification Identification Number (NEC), or Notice of Nonapplicability Identification Number (NONA).
• The City is also required to confirm that information submitted to demonstrate enrollment or application actually applies to that business and its facility/facilities.

For more information and assistance regarding IGP coverage please visit the State Water Board website. 

Other regulatory licenses and permits

If you conduct business under any of the following categories, additional licenses or permits are required. To obtain additional information and an application packet, please call the numbers below