County of San Luis Obispo Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector-Public Administrator

County Business License (unincorporated area)

The Tax Collector's page says that 'Individuals or corporations who sell merchandise or provide a service for a fee in the unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County (outside city limits) may need a County Business License.' The county fee is $50 for the initial year and $38 for renewal, per Schedule B fund center 117, adopted in Ordinance No. 3596 on May 5, 2026 and in effect July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Gov. Code §4467(a)(2)(A) requires every applicant for a local business license or renewal to pay an additional $4 state fee, collected by the county; the Tax Collector's page states the combined amounts: 'Currently, most County Business Licenses require a $54 application fee. Most licenses then require a $42 renewal fee annually (a $4 required fee for the State Disability Access program is included in the application fee and renewal fee).' The FAQ says most licenses are 'issued for a period of up to one year', that licenses 'are not transferable', and that a change of location needs a new application. The process includes a Planning & Building zoning clearance, and the page adds: 'a restaurant will require an inspection and permit from the County Health Agency.' A business inside one of the seven cities applies to that city instead.