Business License Information
Business License Information
Effective December 1, 2025 – South San Francisco’s New Business License Tax Portal Is Officially Live!
The City of South San Francisco is making it easier than ever to file and pay your business license taxes.
We’ve teamed up with HDL Companies to simplify your experience by managing all new applications, annual renewal notices, payments, compliance, and customer support.
What’s New? • Simple, streamlined online filing • Quicker processing times • Expert support from HDL’s knowledgeable team
Renewal Notices: If you provided an email address for your business, you could expect the renewal reminder to come soon to your inbox. If you don’t, be on the lookout for an official letter from the City of South San Francisco Business Support Center—mailed from a Fresno, CA address. ✅ It’s legitimate and contains everything you need to know. You may contact customer support if you need further assistance.
Customer Support: for business license inquiries, please contact us at:
City of South San Francisco
Business Support Center
8839 N Cedar Ave #212
Fresno, CA 93720
Email: southsanfrancisco@hdlgov.com
Phone: (650) 204-3304
Website: https://southsanfrancisco.hdlgov.com
Apply for New Business License:
- Online: Business owners can submit new application online by visiting the business license portal at: https://southsanfrancisco.hdlgov.com/Home/Home/BusinessLicense
- By Mail: You can mail your completed business license application form to:
City of South San Francisco
Business Support Center
8839 N Cedar Ave #212
Fresno, CA 93720
Renewing your Business License:
You can renew your business license here: Business License Renewal, choose “Renew a Business License” and login by entering your “Business Account number” and “ PIN”. This information can be found on your renewal form. If you don’t have these numbers, you can email the customer support at southsanfrancisco@hdlgov.com or via phone at 650-204-3304.
Overview and Instructions
Establishing a New Business(PDF, 190KB)
2026 Classifications and Fees(PDF, 71KB)
Business License Fees
The deadline for 2026 business license renewals has been extended to February 28, 2026. Penalties will not be applied until March 1, 2026.
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.
SSF Municipal Code Sections on Business License
Important Highlights/Updates to business license tax:
Construction Contractors (Muni Code 6.16.050): Starting in January 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 Code of Ordinances § 6.16.050: Construction contractor.
Rental of Residential Property (Muni Code 6.16.150): Starting January 1, 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. The only exception to the business license requirement is for owner-occupied dwellings where one or more rooms is rented out. Residential rental properties will be assessed a fee of $50 per unit, based on the total number of dwelling units. This fee will adjust each year based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
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%.See § 6.12.150 Delinquent Payment- Penalty.
Long Term Rental
How to Apply for a Long Term Rental Business License and Pay Online
New : Apply and Pay online
New: Apply and Pay in Person for Long Term Rental
Long Term Rental Fillable Form(PDF, 519KB)
BLT-long-term-rental FAQ(PDF, 103KB)
Cannabis Business Tax Renewal Calculation
The business license tax formula for Cannabis is based on the type of business and is calculated as follows:
- One percent of gross receipts for cannabis testing
- Two percent of gross receipts for cultivation and distribution
- Three percent of gross receipts for manufacturing
- Three percent of gross receipts for delivery only and other commercial cannabis businesses
See Cannabis Business License Annual Tax Return(PDF, 649KB) which is sent out with the annual renewals.
Contractor Application Forms
Contractor Registration Application (Download)(PDF, 831KB)
Completed and signed business license applications must be submitted to buslic@ssfca.gov for processing. See business license instructions for detailed information.
All persons operating or doing business within the city limits of South San Francisco are required to obtain a business license per Municipal Code, including businesses that operate from home.
Under federal and state law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public. You may obtain information about your legal obligations and how to comply with disability access laws at the following agencies:
Payments
New - Pay Online: Please visit permits.ssf.net to create an account and pay the Business License Tax Fees.
**For State Mandated fee payments, use “Public”. If you are paying permit fees, use “Contractor”**
Additional Resources
Click here to redirect to the one-stop webpage for employers and employees outlining all existing resources.