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1. How do I apply for a Chino Hills Business License?

For IN-CITY businesses, review the Business License webpage. For additional questions, please call (909) 364-2670.  

For OUT-OF-CITY businesses, please navigate to the Business License page to apply, or call our contracted vendor, HdL, at (909) 740-3187 to apply over the phone.

2. How much does a Business License cost?

For IN-CITY businesses please visit the Business License webpage for the most up to date information. Other fees may be required when opening a business in the City.

For OUT-OF-CITY BUSINESSES please visit the Business License webpage for the most up to date information.

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. When business activity occurs outside of the home, then it would be considered a home administrative office. Both applications must be submitted together and can be found on the Business License webpage.

4. Can I prepare food for sale from my home?

Cottage foods, as approved by the California Department of Public Health, are the only food types allowed to be made from a residential location. A City Business License and Home Occupation Permit are required.

5. How do I apply for a Home Occupation Permit?

The City is only accepting digital submissions. You can apply online at www.chinohills.org/vds.

6. Do I need to renew my Home Occupation Permit?

The Home Occupation Permit will remain valid as long as the Business License is renewed annually before the expiration date and the business has not moved to a new location/residence in Chino Hills.

7. How long does it take to receive a Business License?

For In-City commercial businesses, you must first apply for a Land Use Clearance through www.chinohills.org/vds. Once reviewed and approved by the City, you will need to submit a Business License application with our contracted vendor HdL. Please note that an approved "Land Use Clearance" form is required in order to apply. Total processing time is approximately 3 weeks.

For Out-of-City businesses, licenses are issued upon successful payment of all applicable fees.

8. 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 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.

9. 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.

10. I am a veteran. Do I need to pay the business license fee?

The Business License and City processing fees are waived for honorably discharged veterans, or veterans released from active duty under honorable conditions, who engage in the sale of tangible goods for which they own, except alcoholic beverages. Service businesses are not eligible for these fee waivers. A Veterans Exemption form and copy of DD214 required at time of submittal.

11. Do I need a Business License to operate an in-home day care?

No, a city Business License is not required for in-home day cares as they are are licensed through the State of California, Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing. Call (800) 952-5253 or visit their website.

12. Do I need a Business License to operate a residential adult care center?

No, a city Business License is not required as residential adult care centers are licensed through the State of California, Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing. Call (800) 952-5253 or visit their website.

13. How do I obtain a Fictitious Business Name (dba)?

Fictitious business names (or dba: doing business as) are filed with the San Bernardino County Recorder's Office. To contact the Recorder's Office call (909) 387-8306 or visit their website. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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 visit Chino Hills Business License Search.

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.