City of Manhattan Beach
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Licensing Information
ANIMAL LICENSE
Animal License Renewals are due September 30th.
If you do not receive a renewal notice by September 15th, please contact the Finance Department to obtain a duplicate copy (310) 802-5559.
All dogs 4 months or older must be licensed, as required by City Municipal Code. Cats may be licensed upon request, although the license is not required by the City.
The New Dog License Application is available on-line and at the Cashier at City Hall (1400 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach CA 90266).
New Dog License Application (PDF)
Animal License Renewal Flyer (PDF)
Pet Owner's Guide Brochure (PDF)
Your original application, along with payment, must be accompanied by a copy of the current anti-rabies certificate and certificate of sterility, if applicable (send copies only).
The annual license fee for intact animals is $51.00 and for sterilized dogs (spayed/neutered) is $23.00. If you have spayed or neutered your dog, please supply a copy of the Certificate of Sterility with your application in order to receive the discount.
The dog licensing period is from September 1st through August 31st and licensing fees for new dogs are prorated quarterly. Please contact the Finance Department at revenue@manhattanbeach.gov or (310) 802-5559 for the correct amount due and to address any other questions, prior to mailing in your application.
Additional pet information is also available from Animal Control
**Please Note: Effective January 1, 2012, due to changes in the State and County rabies laws, exemption from rabies vaccination can only be granted by the County Veterinary Public Health Department. More information and the Application for Exemption is available from your local veterinarian.**
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The Manhattan Beach Municipal Code requires all businesses operating in the City to pay an annual business license tax. The business license tax year begins March 1st and ends the last day of February the following year. For new businesses the Business License tax is prorated quarterly.
City Business License Applications may be submitted for review by email to revenue@manhattanbeach.gov.
Business License Application (Word) / Business License Application (PDF)
PLEASE NOTE: In-town businesses require Community Development Planner Approval.
In addition to a Business License, home-based businesses need a one-time Home Occupation Permit from the Community Development Department.
Home Occupation Permit Application (PDF)
The Business License tax is paid in advance. Some businesses pay a flat business tax. Most businesses pay the Business License tax based on their calendar year gross receipts, which includes a base tax is paid plus a percentage based on the total gross receipts that were collected for the previous calendar year. A new business may pay the initial tax based on estimated gross receipts; after the first year this tax will be adjusted based on the actual gross receipts. Businesses renewing based on gross receipts must include supporting documentation, such as a Schedule C, Profit & Loss Statement or State Board of Equalization return, with their annual business license renewal.
Business License Tax Rates by Category: 2024-2025 Business License Tax Rates (PDF)
Renewals are mailed out in February and are delinquent if received on or after May 1st – if you change your mailing address you must promptly notify the Business License Office at (310) 802-5559. If you do not receive a renewal notice by March 1st, please contact the Business License Office to obtain a duplicate copy. Failure to receive a renewal notice does not relieve the business owner of the responsibility to renew the Business License.
Other Licensing Resources:
MBMC Chapter 6.01 – Licensing Regulations
MBMC 10.52.070 – Home Occupation in Residential Districts Regulations
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The City requires the completion and approval of a Sub-Contractor listing as a condition of finalizing the planning and building of City developments. All Contractors and Sub-Contractors working on a project in the City must have a valid City of Manhattan Beach Business License for the dates during which they are working.
A blank Sub Contractor List Form is available below. Sub-Contractor lists should be completely filled out prior to submitting the list to the Finance Department. The Sub-Contractor list may take up to 5 days to review. Incomplete Sub-Contractor lists may take longer to be processed or may be returned to the submitter to complete.
Sub-Contractor List Form (Word)/ Sub-Contractor List Form (PDF) - to be completed by General Contractor or Owner/Builder
- submit by email to revenue@manhattanbeach.gov
A listing of Contractor/Sub-Contractors’ City Business License numbers is available below. Please note: while the Sub-Contractor Book lists the City Business License number, it is not a confirmation that the Sub-Contractor's City Business License was valid for the dates during which they were working in the City.
Contractor / Sub-Contractor Book (PDF) - updated quarterly
General Contractor/Owner-Builder shall require all Sub-Contractors working on the project to have a current Manhattan Beach Business License before permitting them to begin work for the duration of the job, per Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Section 6.01.300.
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The Revenue Services Division administers the collection of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) from Hotels, Motels, and Short-term Rental Operators in the City. The authority to levy TOT is granted to the legislative bodies of both cities and counties by California Revenue and Taxation Code 7280.
For more information on the licensing requirements and TOT collected by Hotels, Motels, and Short-term Rental Operators, please visit the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) webpage.
For additional information please contact the Finance Department at (310) 802-5559.
Short Term Vacation Rentals are now allowed within the Coastal Zone:
On April 4, 2022, the Court of Appeal issued an opinion that the City's ban of short-term rentals does not apply to properties within the Coastal Zone. Short-term rentals are still banned outside of the Coastal Zone. For more information, please visit the Short-Term Rentals webpage.