Frequently Asked Questions

If you are going to do business in Campbell, you may apply for your business license online

The cost of a business license in Campbell is found on the link below:

In-Person payment methods include cash, check or money order (payable to City of Campbell) and credit card.  You may also pay online by e-check or credit card.

A business license is required in the City of Campbell under any of the following circumstances: 
- Conduct business of any kind within the City limits 
- Have a fictitious business name certificate registered with a Campbell address 
- Have a State Board of Equalization resale permit registered with a Campbell address 
- Have a home-based business in Campbell

If your business falls under the exempt categories as defined in sections 5.01.005-5.01.045 of the Campbell Municipal Code, the City may issue an exempt business license at no cost to the applicant. The City encourages exempt businesses to apply in order to maintain accurate records and have contact information if information that could affect business needs to be shared.

You have a 30-day grace period after license expiration. Penalties will be imposed after the 30-day grace period.

Yes. You are still required to obtain a business license if your residence is in Campbell. Check with the City's Planning Division to ensure that operating your business from your home is permissible. Please note that along with your business license, the Planning Division imposes a Home Occupation Permit Fee.

Yes. The business license tax applies to independent contractors as well as business owners.

If your business is a nonprofit organization, it is exempt from paying the City's business license tax. However, a business license with the City is still required. Tax-exempt organizations are required to provide proof of their non-profit status in order to receive a business license. They must provide a copy of a statement from the California Secretary of State or the Internal Revenue Service stating that the business has a nonprofit status.

No, you may no use a PO box as your business location. You are required to have an actual (permanent) commercial office or home office location in Campbell.
We do accept a virtual office as a location that offer office space to use on occasion.  UPS Stores or Staples are no zoned for office use.

Your personal information is confidential. However, business name, location, phone number, and owner's name are subject to disclosure under the

No. If ownership changes, the business license is not transferable. As a new owner, you need to apply for a business license in your name and pay the appropriate fees. If your business address is changing, it will require new zoning clearance by the Planning Division.

You must come in person to City Hall to obtain zoning clearance from the Planning Division for the other location.
You can come in person or send an email requesting the address change, it will then be sent to our Planning and Building Departments for approval.

Yes. Approximately 30 days prior to expiration a renewal notice will be sent to you as a courtesy. However, you are still responsible for renewing your license even if you do not receive the courtesy notice.

The current rate is 12%.

You can view the Transient Occupancy Tax Form online by clicking