Business License/Tax Certificate Process:

The Fontana Municipal Code requires all businesses operating (not necessarily located) within the City to be properly licensed, as well as to be in accordance with the standards for Planning (zoning), Building and Safety, and Public Health. Accordingly, prior to the issuance of a Business License/Tax Certificate, inspections by the Building Division may be required, in addition to approvals by the Planning Division. Additional approvals may be required by other Departments depending on the type of business being conducted. Department approvals apply to all businesses physically located in Fontana City Limits.

Click here to review the section of the Fontana Municipal Code pertaining to Licenses, Permits and Business Regulations and go to Chapter 15: Licenses, Permits and Business Regulations.

The following fees/taxes must be paid at the time the application is submitted:

• Initial Application Fee $35.00 ($15.00 Renewal fee annually thereafter)
• Annual Business Tax (based on estimated annual Gross Receipts, with some exceptions)

The above fees apply to the majority of business types located in Fontana. However, there are certain types of businesses (I.e., used car dealers, restaurants, liquor stores) that require supplementary permits and the submission of additional documents, information and/or applications. These businesses may be subject to additional fees. The Business Services Division will furnish the appropriate information relating to any special permits, licenses and/or fees that may be required.

Additionally, there may be certain types of business activities for which the Business Tax is determined based on a measure other than Gross Receipts such as a warehouse that has no measure of any gross receipts or an administrative office.

Approval Process:

The process outlined below applies to most businesses physically locating in the City. There are however, certain types of businesses which may require additional inspections and/or investigation. Although businesses physically located outside of the City limits may not require any inspection by the Planning or Building and Safety Divisions, while still conducting business within the City, certain types of business may require further review by the Police Department.

1. All completed Business License/Tax Certificate applications are submitted to the Business Services Division along with the appropriate fees and/or taxes. 
2. Upon review, the application is forwarded to the Planning Division for review of zoning requirements. 
3. If the application is approved, it is forwarded to the Building and Safety Division for an onsite inspection of the building and determination of conformance with the Building regulations of the City. 
4. Upon receipt of the Building Division approval, the application is then forwarded to the Business License Division for final processing.

If further action is required by any of the above departments, you will need to immediately respond to any and all such matters identified by the above named departments. Click here for a more detailed description of the Planning and  Building & Safety requirements.

Depending upon the type of business that is to be conducted and assuming complete compliance with all codes, the entire Business License approval process should be completed within 2-3 weeks.