FAQs • Chino Hills • CivicEngage

What if my business is home-based?: Every business conducted from a home in the City of Chino Hills must have a Business License and a Home Occupation Permit even if the primary business activity occurs outside of the home. Both applications must be submitted together.

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Business License and Home Occupation Permit

1. How do I apply for a Chino Hills Business License?: -For IN-CITY BUSINESSES, click on the Business License application link on the Business License webpage or visit the Community Development Department at City Hall. Downloaded applications can be brought to City Hall or mailed in with payment. -For OUT-OF-CITY BUSINESSES, please call HdL at (909) 740-3187 to apply over the phone.
Business License Application

2. How much does a Business License cost?: -For IN-CITY BUSINESSES the total business license fee is $56.43 per year ($14.43 City fee + $4 State Disability Access Fee + $38 processing fee). Other business fees may be required.
-For OUT-OF-CITY BUSINESSES the total business license fee is $18.43 per year ($14.43 City fee + $4 State Disability Access Fee). A processing fee will be added if processed by City Staff.

3. What if my business is home-based?: Every business conducted from a home in the City of Chino Hills must have a Business License and a Home Occupation Permit even if the primary business activity occurs outside of the home. Both applications must be submitted together.

4. How do I get an application for a Home Occupation Permit?: -On the City website under Business Licenses
-At City Hall in the Community Development Department
-We can mail or fax it to you by calling (909) 364-2740.
Home Occupation Permit

5. Do I need to renew my Home Occupation Permit?: The Home Occupation Permit is a one-time fee if the following conditions are met:
-The Business License is renewed annually before the expiration date; and
-The business has not moved to a new location/residence

6. How long does it take to receive a Business License?: Business Licenses are mailed out approximately 2 to 3 weeks after an application has been submitted.

7. When do I need to renew my Business License?: A Business License is valid for one (1) year. A renewal notice will automatically be sent to the mailing address of record approximately thirty (30) days before the expiration date. If you do not receive a renewal notice before the expiration date, please contact (909) 740-3187. Failure to receive a renewal notice does not relieve the business owner of his/her responsibility to renew the Business License nor is it grounds for waiving any penalties due.

8. What if I sell my business?: A Business License is not transferable. The license is terminated when there is a change in ownership. The new owner is be responsible for obtaining his/her own Business License.

9. I am a veteran. Do I need to pay the business license fee?: The business license fee may be waived for honorably discharged veterans, or veterans released from active duty under honorable conditions, who engage in sales (not services), except alcoholic beverages. Veteran's exemption Form

10. Do I need a Business License to operate an in-home day care?: No. In-home day cares are licensed through the State of California, Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing. Call (800) 952-5253 or visit their website.
California Department of Social Services

11. Do I need a Business License to operate a residential adult care center?: No. Residential adult cares are licensed through the State of California, Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing. Call (800) 952-5253 or visit their website.
California Department of Social Services

12. How do I obtain a Fictitious Business Name?: Fictitious business names are filed with the San Bernardino County Recorder's Office. To contact the Recorder's Office call (909) 387-8306 or visit their web page.
The Champion Newspaper will file the fictitious business name with the County Recorder and publish your fictitious business name statement. To contact the Champion Newspaper, call (909) 628-5501, Ext. 14.
San Bernardino County Recorder's Office

13. How do I obtain a Seller's Permit?: Contact the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration at (800) 400-7115, or visit their website.
California Department of Tax and Fee Admin

14. If I hire someone to do work at my home, such as gardening or housekeeping services, do they need to have a Chino Hills Business License?: Yes. All persons or businesses doing work within the City limits are required to obtain a Chino Hills Business License. To verify if the person you hired has a Business License go to the Chino Hills Business License Search.
Business License Search

15. What if I have a complaint about a contractor that I hired to do work at my home?: All complaints against contractors are handled through the Contractors State License Board. They can be reached at (800) 321-2752, or visit their website. Contractors State License Board

16. What if I have a complaint about a business located in the City of Chino Hills?: The City does not handle complaints about unfair business practice or poor service. If the complaint is regarding unfair business practice or poor service, contact the Better Business Bureau at (559) 222-8111 or visit their website. Better Business Bureau

17. How can I verify if the contractor I hired is a state licensed contractor?: To verify if a contractor is licensed with the Contractors State License Board, call (800) 321-2752, or visit their website. Contractors State License Board