Frequently Asked Questions

Business license applications are processed solely through our online Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal. Link here.

You will be receiving emails from svc.CSSSMTP@tylerhost.net. Please check your spam filters to allow our business licensing emails to be delivered to your inbox.

If you do not have access to a personal computer, you are welcome to use our self-service kiosk located at Imperial Beach City Hall. 

It is very important to apply for the correct category of business license. First, determine which one of the following categories apply to you:

Is your business located in Imperial Beach? - IB Commercial 
Is your business operated out of your home? - IB Home Based 
Is your business located out of Imperial Beach? - OUT of City 
Are you a Contractor located outside of Imperial Beach? - OUT of City - Contractor 
Is your license for a long-term (30 days +) rental property? - Property Rental 
Is your license for a short-term (less than 30 days) rental property? - Property Rental - Short Term

Type the license category in the search bar to view all license type options. Select the one that applies to your business (for example IB Commercial - Retail for a retail business with location in Imperial Beach).

Apply for a business license here.

No, unfortunately our Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal is not currently supported on mobile devices. 
Please submit your application on a desktop computer.CSS Portal link here.
Feel free to stop by Imperial Beach City Hall during our business hours and use our self-service workstations to complete your application.

You may have noticed a change in the look of your residential rental business license invoice. Our newly implemented financial management software is now itemizing your residential rental business license renewal. The total amount on the invoice has not changed unless you added or subtracted dwelling units associated with this rental license. The new invoices indicate how fees are calculated for each specific item included in the total statement. These specific items include the rental business license itself, state required disability fees, and the fees for annual rental property fire safety inspection. 

To maximize the safety of our citizens, the City is required by the city code to inspect rental properties for fire prevention purposes. By providing regular routine inspections, the City desires to prevent fires before they happen. Rental fire inspection fees are collected as part of the business license billing system. To determine compliance with state fire regulations, residential rental properties are inspected by both Imperial Beach Fire-Rescue Department staff and Housing Department staff. Owners of rental properties found in violation will receive a correction notice by mail. For rental properties where no violations are identified the information is noted internally and the process is complete until the next inspection. 

Most common fire violations include exposed or damaged electrical, unpermitted additions or alterations, illegal dwellings, incorrectly placed or missing address numbers and issues with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. 

Safety inspections are performed without notice however a scheduled inspection can be requested by the property owner by calling 619-423-8223. 

To maintain program efficiency, inspection reports are not issued if no violations are noted at the time of inspection. A no violation noted report can be sent upon request.

Safety inspections are performed without notice however a scheduled inspection can be requested by the property owner by calling Fire Prevention Division directly at 619-423-8223. 

To maintain program efficiency, inspection reports are not issued if no violations are noted at the time of inspection. A no violation noted report can be sent upon request.