City and Government
The City of San Diego Business and Government
Helping businesses in San Diego grow and flourish is a major focus of the City of San Diego. The City is dedicated to helping foster the region's economic base to improve the quality of life for its citizens and business community. Through many continuing programs and projects, the City creates opportunities for businesses to succeed.
- Business Expansion, Attraction and Retention
- Business Finance
- Cleantech Initiative
- Permit Assistance
- Small Business Assistance
- Special Incentives and Benefits
- Technology and Development
- Business Development and Incentive Zone Mapping System
Help for Businesses - Energy Assistance Information (SDG&E)
The City of San Diego has partnered with San Diego Gas & Electric to provide businesses with information about current energy issues. Detailed information is available on energy efficiency and conservation programs for businesses, rebates and loan programs, power outage preparations, etc.
Business Development and Incentive Zone Mapping System
The City of San Diego provides opportunities for enterprise unlike any other City in the nation. With 18 business improvement districts, 15 redevelopment project areas, one enterprise zone, a foreign trade zone, recycling market development zones and a renewal community, the City is simply "zoned for incentives."
In an effort to assist and encourage private industry investment and development in San Diego, the City's Community and Economic Development Department has created a convenient way to access information on the wide array of business development and incentives zones available throughout the City.
For more accurate, property-based information, access the Business Development and Incentive Zone Mapping System . This mapping system allows visitors to enter either a property address or Assessor Parcel Number (APN) to obtain information on special incentive zones and districts that may apply to a particular parcel.
For more information, contact the Community and Economic Development Department at (619) 236-6700 or Email sdbusiness@sandiego.gov .
Business Tax/Rental Unit Business Tax
Rental Tax Billing Announcement (PDF: 166K)
All businesses operating in the City of San Diego are required to obtain a Business Tax Certificate. This includes home-based businesses, self employed persons, and independents contractors.
The Office of City Treasurer's Business Tax Program is charged with administering the City's collection and enforcement of Business and Rental Unit Business Tax revenue. Revenue raised goes to the City's General Fund which provides Police and Fire protection, street maintenance, libraries, parks and other city services.
- Municipal Code Sections Governing Business and Rental Unit Business Tax
- Rental Unit Business Tax Information
- Additional Information and Resources
Municipal Code Sections Governing Business and Rental Unit Business Tax
Pursuant to Municipal Code Section §31.0121 (PDF: 64K), no person shall engage in any business activity prior to obtaining a Business Tax Certificate. This includes home-based businesses, self-employed persons and independent contractors.
The Rental Unit Business Tax is imposed annually upon anyone who owns, operates, or manages the rental of any residential real estate ( Municipal Code Section §31.0305 (PDF: 52K)). Residential real estate includes single family residences, multiple family residences, mobile homes, mobile home parks, trailers, trailer parks, apartments, bungalows, hotels, motels and property advertised or otherwise held out for lease or rent during the calendar year is subject to the rental tax.
- Chap 3 Art 01 Div 01 - General Provisions - Definitions - Applications (PDF: 64K)
- Chap 3 Art 01 Div 02 - Exception to Taxing Provisions (PDF: 83K)
- Chap 3 Art 01 Div 03 - Taxing Provisions (PDF: 52K)
Business Tax Information
- Business Tax Payments
- Business Tax Frequently Asked Questions
- Business Tax Rates and Fees
- Apply for a Business Tax Certificate
- Business Lookup
- Business Tax Exemptions
- Business Tax Compliance Program
- Contact the Business Tax Program
- 10 Steps to Starting a Business
Rental Unit Business Tax Information
- Rental Unit Business Tax Payments
- Rental Unit Business Tax General Information
- Rental Unit Business Tax Fees
- Rental Unit Business Tax Exemptions
- Contact the Rental Unit Business Tax Program
Additional Information and Resources
- Helpful Business Resources
- Police Permit and Licensing
- County Homeowner Exemption
- Business Improvement District
- City Zoning Information
- City Fire Inspection and Permit
