Business Licenses & Zoning Clearance
Who Needs a Zoning Clearance?
Thank you for considering Yucaipa for your business!
The City of Yucaipa requires a Zoning Clearance for any business that is opening a new location within the City of Yucaipa. This application replaces the annual Business License with a one-time application that confirms that the proposed business is allowed in the zoning district. This process also helps to disclose if any other permits or requirements may apply before a business opens their door so that the process can be as smooth as possible.
The Zoning Clearance also provides resources for new businesses, such as advertising opportunities through the City’s partnership with the three (3) different digitial billboards along Interstate 10.
Who Needs a Business License?
The City of Yucaipa only requires business licenses for sidewalk vendors, food truck operators, massage therapists, liquor stores or owners of rental dwelling units following the 2024 update of our Municipal Code. If your business is now one of the many that are exempt from the City’s license requirements, no action is needed from you when your previous business license expires or your business closes.
Important 2025 Update
While most businesses are now exempt from City’s annual licensing requirements, we recognize that some applicants may still need or desire licenses to satisfy other agency requirements or for their business’ records. The City has recently updated and digitized its business licensing process through the Yucaipa Permit Exchange (YPE), which is a platform that allows applicants to apply for plans, permits, and licenses online. Please note that a business license is only required by the City of Yucaipa if you are a street vendor, massage therapist, liquor store or landlord. However, new businesses require a zoning compliance.
Other Actions May Be Required:
- If your business moves to a new location within Yucaipa, a zoning clearance is required. Feel free to contact the Planning Division if you have any questions.
- Contractors associated with a building permit must complete a contractor verification application within the Yucaipa Permit Exchange.
- If you’d like to vend at city-hosted Special Events, please sign up for vendor updates with our Community Services Department.
- A Home Occupation Permit (HOP) allows certain accessory commercial uses on residential properties. This is not required for teleworking from home; however, this permit would be necessary if you use your residence in a capacity beyond a home office or plan to have customers visit your property. For example, someone who bakes goods or makes jewelry to sell at markets would apply for the HOP.
- An Itinerant Vendor Permit allows sidewalk vendors, food truck operators, or other “pop-up” businesses to operate 90 days out of the calendar year within the City of Yucaipa. Please contact the Planning Division with specific locations so we can best advise you on our requirements.
- A Massage Therapy Permit allows massage therapy businesses to operate within the City of Yucaipa. They are required for all new businesses with annual renewals after their establishment.
- A Building Permit is required for new signage or tenant improvements on-site. If your new business will need a banner, a Temporary (Business) Sign Permit can also be applied for online.
Please note: All businesses must still comply with applicable City, County, State, and Federal laws and regulations. To find out if your business needs further licensing from State or Federal agencies, please contact the Department of Consumer Affairs at (800) 952-5210. If you will be preparing food, you may also be required to obtain San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services’ registration and permitting.
Contact Us
- Planning Division
- 909-797-2489 Ext. 252
- Economic Development
- 909-797-2489 Ext. 264
- Building and Safety
- 909-797-2489 Ext. 1
- Community Services
- 909-797-2489 Ext. 561
- Code Enforcement
- 909-797-2489 Ext. 3
