Business License Renewals
Renewal Information
Due to the passage of Measure W (Business License Tax Measure), the deadline for 2025 business license renewals has been extended to February 28, 2025. Renewal notices will be mailed by the first week of January 2025. Penalties will not be applied until March 1, 2025.
All persons operating or doing business within the South San Francisco city limits are required to obtain a business license and pay the applicable fee per the Municipal Code, including businesses that operate from home.
Important Highlights/Updates to business license tax:
Construction Contractors (Muni Code 6.16.050): Starting in 2025, the City’s business license tax on Construction Contractors is changing. To maintain an active City license, Contractors must annually file online or through the Finance Department, which will only include the $4 State Mandated Fee as per SB1186.
In addition, the new business license tax of 0.18% of permit valuation will be assessed at the time of the permit application. This tax applies to all permits submitted starting January 1, 2025. For more information, see Contractors 6.16.050: https://ecode360.com/43441395#43441435.
Rental of Residential Property (Muni Code 6.16.150): Starting in 2025, all property owners who make residential real property available for rental occupancy of more than 30 days must now maintain a valid business license. (This requirement was previously limited to multi-family residential properties with more than five units.) Also new in 2025, residential rental properties will be assessed a rate of $50 per unit based on the number of dwelling units. Please refer to the SSF Municipal Code for rates and fees. Rental of property 6.16.150: https://ecode360.com/43441395#43441507
Penalties and Delinquencies: the penalty for nonpayment will be 10% per month, up to a maximum of 100% of the underlying tax. This replaces the prior penalty structure that capped at 25%.
Pay Online: Please visit permits.ssf.net to create an account and pay the annual Business License Tax Fees.
Contractors who do not renew by March will be inactivated and will not be eligible to make a payment online. Please contact the business license team at buslic@ssf.net or (650)877-8505.