Business Licensing

The Town’s business license year begins June 1st and ends July 31st of the following year. Renewal notices are mailed at the end of the fiscal year, to businesses who hold a current Town of Hillsborough business license. Renewal is not required if no business will be conducted with the Town.

List of Resources for Businesses in Town

• Construction Requirements
• Leaf Blower Information
• Drought Information
• Frequently Asked Questions

List of Licensed Businesses

Residents who wish to verify if someone they hire to perform services for them has obtained the required Town of Hillsborough Business License can check our List of Licensed Businesses (PDF).

Ordinances & Fees

• Business License Tax Schedule (PDF)
• Title 5 - Business Taxes Licenses and Regulations (PDF)
• 2013-2014 Business License Resolution (PDF)

The purpose of this article is to provide for the establishment and levying of license taxes for the carrying on of certain businesses, trades, professions, callings and occupations in the city. This article is enacted solely to raise revenues for municipal purposes and is not intended for regulation. (Ord. No. 411, 1985)

Business Applications

• Alarm Security Business License Application (PDF)
• Annual Realtor Business Licensing Registration (PDF)
• Businesses that Must Obtain Building Permits for Specific Work Projects in the Town Business License Application (ie: Contractors, Sub-Contractors) (PDF)
• Businesses that Do Not Require Building Permits Business License Application (ie: Architects, Designers, Gardeners, other Professional Services) (PDF)
• Home Business Permit Application (PDF)
• Multiple Vehicle Permit (PDF)
• Provisions for Home Businesses (PDF)
• Real Estate Broker Business License Application (PDF)
• Rental Property Business License Application (PDF)

Effective January 1, 2018, the $1.00 SB1186 DISABILITY ACCESS FEE will increase to $4.00

Effective January 1, 2019, cities and counties in California are required to provide informational notices related to disability access requirements. Under AB3002, cities and counties must provide these notices to individuals applying for business licenses, and building permits, for commercial property or a "place of public accommodation" that the general public is invited to utilize. The bill is intended to educate and encourage businesses to proactively comply with construction related accessibility requirements before making property improvements. For more information please visit https://www.dgs.ca.gov/CCDA .

Effective January 1, 2020, SB205 requires an SIC code be provided, and proof on enrollment in an NPDES permit if such a permit is required.

As of November 1, 2014, the San Mateo County Tax Collector’s office will be taking over business licensing of unincorporated areas. For more information, please contact their office at (650) 599-5989.