Fees & Taxes
Business License Fees
The license fee is based upon the type of business you are conducting and the permanent, physical location of that business. Licenses are issued for a one-year period beginning July 1 and expiring June 30 each year. The fees for new businesses are prorated according to the quarter in which the business opens.
Business Inside City Limits
If your business is located inside city limits, your fee will be invoiced after the location is approved by the Planning Department. The fire inspection fee will be invoiced along with your license fee and is a one-time fee for each new commercial location.
Business Outside City Limits
If your business is located outside the city limits, and you will be providing sales or service inside the city limits, please email Administrative Services or call 805-237-3999 for your license fee.
Business Improvement Area (BIA)
The BIA was established in 1972 by Ordinance 337 NS. for the purpose of generating revenues to be used to promote those businesses located within the boundaries of the district, which is the downtown core area.
A fifty-percent increase is assessed to the business license fee of each business within the area. Those businesses located within the boundaries of the BIA which are exempt from paying a business license fee are assessed a levy of $135 per year.
Business License Renewal Fees
Renewal statements are mailed approximately mid-April each year and are due by June 30.
If payment for your business license renewal is received on or before May 31, a 10% discount may be taken. Penalties are assessed if payment is not received by June 30.
Recovery Fees
The $12 recovery fee is a temporary one-time fee approved by City Council to support the city’s new business license software upgrade and is required for all business license renewals and new business license applications for the license period starting July 1, 2017.
Effective July 1, 2018, an annual $2 recovery fee will be required for all business license renewals and new business license applications to support the annual maintenance of the business license software.
Certified Access Specialist Program (CASp) Fee
Effective January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2023, the State CASp fee will be $4.00. On and after January 24, 2024, the fee will be reduced back down to $1.00. The purpose of the fee is to increase disability access and compliance with construction-related accessibility requirements. Additionally, the fee assists local jurisdictions in supporting the Certified Access Specialist (CASp) program and provides the Division of the State Architect (DSA) with funds to maintain oversight of the CASp program.
Massage Businesses & Establishments Annual Fee Schedule
City Council Resolution 13 to 104 (PDF), approving a fee schedule for massage businesses and establishments to recoup a portion of the costs associated with processing business license applications and making periodic inspections of massage establishments. Adopted August 6, 2013. Also see the Massage Ordinance.
Short-Term Rental Taxes
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
For the privilege of occupancy in any hotel, each transient is subject to and shall pay a tax in the amount of 10% of the rent charged by the operator. Find out more on our Transient Occupancy Tax page.
Paso Robles Tourism Improvement District (PRTID) Assessment
The PRTID assessment is designed to provide specific benefits directly to payers by increasing room night sales and revenue therefrom. Marketing, sales, communications, and visitor services/welcome center programs will increase overnight tourism and market payers as tourist, meeting and event destinations, thereby increasing room night sales and revenue therefrom.
Read Resolution 17-082 (PDF), which establishes the PRTID and levies the assessment.