Business license

With few exceptions, all businesses located, operating, or conducting business within the city limits are required to have a valid business license from the City of Menlo Park. In addition, businesses operating from a residential address are required to obtain a home occupation permit from Community Development before business operations begin. Please be aware that all cities regulate business activity by location. Check with the Planning Division to ensure that your business is permissible in the location you are considering.

Apply for, renew, pay, close or manage a business license

Manage my business license

Business license tax and payment

The City collects a business license tax for doing business within city limits based on the business gross receipts or the number of employees. Application and payment of the license tax can be completed online with a credit card, by mail with check, or in person with cash, check, or credit card. You may need a copy of the City's IRS Form W-9 to complete your payment, check with your accounting department.

Conducting business and necessary approvals

Businesses will be able to legally conduct business as soon as the license is approved. Notification of approval is normally mailed within one week. Applicants can also call the Finance Division to confirm license approval.

Notice of disability access requirements and resources

Under federal and state law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public. Learn more about disability access requirements and resources available in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Korean, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese.