Business Licenses

What Is a Business License?

A business license is a business tax paid to the city in order to conduct business legally within the city limits. The purpose of the license is to generate revenue for the City of Hemet to provide police and fire protection, fire and crime prevention, and many other community services.

Conducting Business Legally

The issuance of a business license does not entitle the license holder to carry on any business which is otherwise prohibited. It may be necessary for you to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy, a Conditional Use Permit, and/or other city, state, or federal approvals before your business may operate.

Who Needs a Business License?

Per the City of Hemet Business License Ordinance Number 1158 Section 18-45, all businesses operating in the City of Hemet are required to have a business license. This includes businesses which operate from a home. A city business license is required in each city where you conduct business and at each location within the city.

Commercial Businesses

Each commercial business located within the City of Hemet must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the Building and Safety Department.

Home-Based Businesses

Each home-based business located within the City of Hemet must obtain a Home Occupation Permit from the Planning Department.

Business License Ordinance

Click here for the City of Hemet's Business License Ordinance (PDF)

need to renew your business license?

Renewal payments may be submitted online by clicking the links below or via our automated service at 1-855-977-8737. You will need to have the assigned business license number and the yearly generated activity number associated with the requested renewal year in order to submit a payment. If you need to obtain your new activity number, please contact us at 951-765-2358 for further information. 

*RENEWAL ACTIVITY NUMBER AND BUSINESS LICENSE NUMBER REQUIRED FOR PAYMENT SUBMITTAL*

TWO NEW ONLINE PAYMENT OPTIONS:

• One-time payment:   Pay your renewal without having to create an online account. Simply pay using your activity number and business license number. You can pay with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or Checking information.

ONE-TIME PAYMENT CLICK HERE

• Customer Portal:   You will need your activity number and business license number to get started and benefit from the following functions:
  1. Save one or more payment options (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or Checking information)
  2. Schedule a payment
  3. View previous renewal payments

CUSTOMER PORTAL CLICK HERE