Revised October 1, 2000

5.04.010: Purpose

This chapter is enacted to raise revenue for municipal purposes and is not intended for regulation of businesses.

5.04.020: Registrations and Fees - Required When - Exemptions

A. General Requirements.
Every person or entity carrying on a trade, calling, business, exhibition, avocation or occupation within the City limits of the City of San Carlos shall have a business registration certificate.

All business registration fees shall be payable in advance annually, on or before the anniversary date of the issuance of the registration certificate. Doing business shall include but not limited to all individuals and firms who hold a fictitious business statement, a State Board of Equalization resale permit, a listing in commercial directories such as the Yellow Pages, local business guide, real estate multiple listing book, reverse phone directory from Pacific Bell or similar listing. Determinations that a firm or individual is doing business in San Carlos may be appealed to the Finance Director.

B. Fee Exemptions.
The Finance Director shall have the authority to waive registration fees for service clubs or charitable organizations operating as temporary vendors.

C. Non-Profit Festivals.
Vendors selling items at weekend festivals conducted by non-profit organizations shall also be exempt from the provisions of this ordinance.

D. Child and Adult Care Exemptions.
Residential care facilities for children or adults which serve six or fewer persons shall not be subject to the provisions of this ordinance.

5.04.030: Posting Required

Every person, firm or corporation having a registration certificate under the provisions of this chapter and carrying on a trade, calling, business, profession, exhibition, avocation or occupation at a particular fixed and permanent place of business shall keep such registration posted and exhibited while the same is in force, in some conspicuous place therein.

5.04.040: No Fixed Location of Business - Possession Required

Every person, firm or corporation having a registration under the provisions of this chapter who does not carry on a trade, calling, business, profession, exhibition, avocation or occupation at a particular fixed and permanent place of business shall carry his registration with him at all times while carrying on such business for which the registration is issued and shall exhibit the same to any Police Officer of the City or any person authorized by the City to issue registration certificates or to collect fees for the same.

5.04.050: Trade Names and Separate Locations

The business registration application must include each trade name and separate location in San Carlos used in the conduct of any business, delivery, etc., within the limits of the City.

5.04.060: Businesses Requiring Certificate of Occupancy and Zoning Clearance

A. All commercial, industrial and miscellaneous buildings within the City, which are going to used for a business requiring a registration under this chapter, must have a Certificate of Occupancy issued by the Building Department, and a Zoning Clearance issued by the Planning Department, before a business registration may be issued. Existing buildings which are structurally altered and which are used for a business requiring a registration certificate under this chapter, must also have a Certificate of Occupancy issued by the Building Department before a business registration may be issued.

B. Businesses that handle hazardous materials and chemicals must receive a Fire Department Clearance before a business registration certificate may be issued.