The Business License Division is dedicated to facilitating public services, guiding applicants through the licensing process with efficiency and expertise. As the City of Goleta experiences dynamic growth, we are committed to ensuring an exceptional licensee experience. Our mission is to foster responsible growth and development that aligns with established policies and ordinances, reflecting the values and aspirations of our vibrant community. We stand ready to support and guide businesses towards successful integration within our evolving cityscape, promoting sustainable progress and prosperity for all.

General Business License Applications are only submitted electronically through the City’s application public portal. Application Portal Here

*Please note general business license applications With in city limits will take 2 weeks to process. Out of city limits will take 1-3 Business days. We do not expedite.

If you have not received your renewal notice, please contact businesslicense@cityofgoleta.gov so that a renewal may be generated for you. It is the responsibility of the licensee to promptly update the City of any business changes. Please be aware that a late penalty of 50% for annual licenses will be assessed for payments made past the 30-day grace period.

Licenses will not be renewed until all fees, penalties, and renewal notices are received. All business license renewals will be emailed. Please ensure that we have your updated contact information to facilitate smooth communication throughout the renewal process. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining compliance with our licensing requirements as we work together to support our community.

Business License Exemptions

State Mandate Disability Access Fee

Business within the City of Goleta

Overview

Certain businesses operating in the City of Goleta must obtain permits or approvals from other government agencies before the City can issue or renew a business license.

These requirements are referred to as “Other Agency Approvals.”

Who Needs a Public Health Permit?

Businesses that prepare, handle, store, or sell food to the public, approval from the Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services Division is required prior to the issuance of a City business license.

Under the California Retail Food Code and Safety Code §§113789 and 113818, establishments that store, prepare, package, serve, or otherwise provide food for human consumption are considered food facilities and must obtain a valid Public Health permit before operating.

Examples of businesses that typically require a Public Health permit include:

• Bakeries
• Catering
• Coffee shops
• Food trucks / mobile food facilities
• Grocery stores and markets
• Juice and smoothie bars
• MEHKO (Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations)
• Restaurants and cafés
• Street vendors handling food

Other Agency Approval Condition

When a business requires approval from another regulatory agency, the City may place an “Other Agency Approval” condition on the business license.

This means:

• The City cannot issue or renew the business license until the required permit is obtained.
• Applicants must provide documentation of the valid permit from the appropriate agency.
• The permit must always remain current and valid during business operations.
• If the required permit expires, is suspended, or revoked, the City business license may be subject to suspension or revocation.

How to Obtain a Public Health Permit

For food-related businesses, applicants must obtain a permit from:

Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services Division
Retail Food Program

 https://www.countyofsb.org/414/Environmental-Health

Once issued, a copy must be submitted to the City of Goleta Finance Department, Business License Division as part of the business license application or renewal process.

Helpful Tip for Applicants

If you are unsure whether your business requires a Public Health permit, you should contact Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services before submitting your City business license application. This can help avoid delays in the licensing process.

 The program period has ended

Old Town Initiatives Fee Waiver Program

The City of Goleta is pleased to announce the Old Town Initiatives Fee Waiver, which applies to all general business licenses in the eligible area from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026.

This initiative was made possible by a recent funding approval from the Goleta City Council which aligns the City's Economic Development Strategic Plan to support the vitality of Old Town. This initiative not only reflects the City Council’s commitment to supporting local businesses but also hopefully provides some financial relief this is historic part of the City

 Old Town Initiatives Map  

Eligibility Guidelines:

• Businesses in the Old Town Initiatives area may qualify. Select "Old Town Initiatives – Fee Waiver" before checkout.
• Outside the Area? Fees must be paid. Incorrect fee waiver selection delays processing, and fees will still be required.
• If your business license expires on or after March 1, 2025, you are eligible for the fee waiver.
• Paid by Mistake? If eligible, you may request reimbursement after staff review.
• Effective Date: Waiver applies starting March 1, 2025. Payments before this date are not eligible but may apply at next year's renewal.
• Are you within Old Town Initiatives area? Click here

Need Assistance?

Program Inquiries: For questions about the Old Town Initiatives Fee Waiver, contact Shannon Kirn at skirn@cityofgoleta.gov
Application Support: For questions about the application process, email Business License Division at businesslicense@cityofgoleta.gov