All types of businesses need to complete a Business License Application and remit it along with the applicable fee to:

City of Santee Finance Department
10601 Magnolia Avenue
Santee CA 92071-1266

Please allow 2-3 weeks for your application to be processed if your business is based in the City. Businesses based outside of the City can be approved upon receipt of a complete application and the fee. Business should not be conducted without an approved license.

The following information is required and must be included on your application:

• Name of Business
• Legal Status (Corporation, Partnership, Sole Proprietor)
• Location Street Address
• Billing Address
• Complete description of business and how it will operate
• Federal and State tax identification numbers
• State Board of Equalization Seller's Permit number for business address (if applicable)
• County of San Diego Health Permit number (if applicable)
• Other State of California license numbers (if applicable)
• Names and addresses of all business owners

If your business is based in the City of Santee and is located in a commercial area:

The initial business license fee is paid upon application and is non-refundable. For businesses with a location based in the City, the annual fee is $74.

The application will be reviewed by the Department of Development Services (DDS) to ensure that the business will be operated in a zone specified for that use. Prior to submitting your application, it is recommended that you contact DDS to make sure your proposed business is allowable.

Once approved by the Department of Development Services, the application is forwarded to the Department of Fire and Life Safety. An on-site inspection is usually required to ensure that all regulations of the Uniform Fire Code are met. A Fire Permit fee may be required depending on the type of business.

Allow up to three weeks for your application to be processed. Business should not be conducted until a business license is approved.

Click here to go to Business License Application Form Page

If your business is based in the City of Santee and is located in your home:

The initial business license fee is paid upon application and is non-refundable. For a Home Occupations Permit, the annual fee is $39.

The annual renewal fee is $28.

Several regulations have been established by Santee Municipal Code Section 17.06.060 regarding home occupations. The intent of these regulations is to assure that home occupations in residential neighborhoods, under conditions, be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood character. These conditions are as follows:

• No person, other than the residents of the dwelling unit shall be engaged in such activity;
• There shall be no change in the outward appearance of the building or premises, or other visible evidence of the activity, nor shall it cause an undue amount of vehicular traffic or parking within the neighborhood;
• There shall be no sales of products on the premises, except produce (fruit or vegetable) grown on the subject property;
• The use shall not allow customers or clientele to visit dwellings. However, incidental uses such as music lessons, swim lessons, and the sale of fruits and vegetables may be permitted if the intensity of such instructions is approved by the Director of Development Services
• The home occupation operation shall be consistent with the permitted residential use, and shall not create any conditions that are detrimental to the residential neighborhood. A home occupation shall not cause increased noise, dust, traffic, lighting, odor, smoke, fumes, vibration, electrical, radio or television disturbances or violate any applicable ordinances or laws;
• No home occupation shall be conducted in an accessory building. Normal use of the garage may be permitted if such use does not obstruct required parking;
• The use shall not involve storage of materials or supplies in an accessory building or outside any structures
• No signs shall be displayed in conjunction with the home occupation and there shall be no advertising using the home address;
• A home occupation is not valid until a current city business license is obtained;
• The use shall not involve the use of commercial vehicles for delivery of materials to or from the premises, other an a vehicle not to exceed a capacity of one and one half ton, owned by the operator of such home occupation;
• If an applicant is not the owner of the property where a home occupation is to be conducted, then a signed statement from the owner [or authorized property manager] approving such use of the dwelling must be submitted with the application. [NOTE: This also applies to owners of units in a mobile home park who do not own a portion of the real property.] Click here to go to Home Occupation Property Owner Approval Form
• Automotive repair and/or engine rebuilding shall be prohibited.

You will be required to acknowledge your understanding of these regulations when you sign your business license application.

Click here to go to Business License Application Form Page

If your business is located outside of the City of Santee:

This type of license covers contractors and other types of businesses who perform services in Santee at the customer's place of business or residence but do not have a office or storage yard in Santee. A license number for a business based outside of Santee will be issued upon receipt of a completed application and the $74 fee. All licenses can be renewed annually for a $28 fee.