As part of being a business operating in the city of Berkeley, you are required to obtain a Berkeley Business License. This article will cover some details to help you with that process. You can find the full Business License Application process here, or find additional details on the City of Berkeley website. Your Business License does not need to be submitted to Bakar Labs staff.
Zoning License
One part of the process of obtaining a business license is to also obtain a Zoning Certificate. To apply for the Zoning Certificate:
go to aca.cityofberkeley.info/community/ and click the link to register an account.
Once you have activated your account, login and navigate to the "Zoning" tab.
Select "Apply for a business-related zoning certificate" and fill out the disclaimer.
Select "Zoning Certificate Business License," click "Continue Application"
Follow the onscreen prompts to finish up your Zoning Certificate.
Because Planning considers the laboratory use as a continuation of a previously approved use, there is no Zoning Certificate application fee. Email planning@cityofberkeley.info for assistance with the Zoning License.
Business License Tax
Similar to income tax, the annual business license tax is a revenue tax based on the prior year’s gross receipts. Venture capital (or other equity investments in your firm) are not considered part of the gross receipts. For the City of Berkeley definition of gross receipts, refer to Berkeley Municipal Code (BMC) Section 9.04.025, Gross Receipts.
Berkeley small businesses earning government or philanthropic research and development (R&D) grants in the public interest may request a business license tax waiver for their R&D grant awards. To apply, complete a waiver form and email it to oedmailbox@cityofberkeley.info.
State NPDES Wastewater Permit Business
On the license application, as of Dec 2024, there is a question asking if the business requires a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit. In general, our tenants are not required to have this permit unless they are one of the following types of businesses found in State Bill 205, Attachment A.
SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) Code
Tenant businesses are considered to be #8731 - Commercial Physical and Biological Research
FAQ
Do I need a business license? Yes, a business license is required by all businesses operating, directly or indirectly, in the City of Berkeley, including businesses located on the UC campus. You should file for a business license within 30 days of commencement of business activity in Berkeley.
What should I list as my “Berkeley location”? Bakar Labs tenants should list “2630 Bancroft Way” or “2625 Durant Avenue” (zip code 94704), as their Berkeley location.
If I was in Berkeley before moving to Bakar Labs, what should I list as my “Business Start Date”? For your business license, list your BERKELEY start date, i.e. when your business started advertising or promoting in Berkeley.
Can I use a business name that is different from my legal name? A Fictitious Business Name Statement may be required if the business name differs from the owner’s name. The City of Berkeley does not issue fictitious business names. For more info, see County of Alameda - Fictitious Business Name Filing.
Once I’ve filed for a business license once, am I all set for future years? No, business licenses have to be renewed every calendar year (Jan. 1- Dec.31). See information on business license renewals here. However, you do not need to renew your Zoning Certificate annually, it remains good for the duration of your business at that location.
How does the City know what I earn each year? Businesses sign their business license renewal form under penalty of perjury. Tax documents may be subject to audit; have proper backup documentation for whatever you report.
What Happens if I move? If you relocate your business in Berkeley to a site off campus, zoning approval is required. Request the approval online (or by contacting the Permit Service Center at 510-981-7500 or permits@cityofberkeley.info) and contact Business License (buslic@cityofberkeley.info) with the approval number so they can update the address on your business license. If you will be operating at an additional site in Berkeley, you can follow the steps in this guide to get a business license for that location. If you will no longer be operating in Berkeley, you need to file a Closing Business Declaration within 90 days.
More business license questions? Email buslic@berkeleyca.gov
Interested in other information and resources for Berkeley startups and innovators? Visit the Berkeley Startup Cluster website, subscribe to the Berkeley Startup Cluster monthly newsletter, and follow the Berkeley Startup Cluster page on LinkedIn.
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