In-town businesses can apply in person at the cashier in the Finance department at City Hall (Building division approval is required). Out-of-town businesses, such as contractors, can file in person or through the mail to the Licensing Division, City of Manhattan Beach, 1400 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. For more information, call (310) 802-5557 or (310) 802-5561.

The business license fiscal year runs from March to February.  Renewals are mailed out the last week of February and are delinquent if received on or after May 1st.

Most City fees are based on gross receipts.  A base tax is paid and added to the amount of gross receipts that were collected for the previous year.  In the event the business is new, a gross receipt tax is estimated and pro-rated.

The Business License Application (PDF) is preferably filed with the City in person.  If you intend to mail the application, please contact the Finance Department at (310) 802-5557 for additional instructions.  (other forms, and or community development approval, may need to accompany the Business License Application to complete the process)