Congratulations on your new business in the beautiful City of Mt. Shasta. The City welcomes new enterprise and values the many businesses that have made Mt. Shasta their home.
How to Apply for a Business License
The City of Mt. Shasta requires all organizations operating within the City to have a business license (City Ordinance Title 5.04).
Complete the Business License Application form with payment calculated from the Business License Fees. The Emergency Contact Information form included in the Business License Application must be completed to allow the Mt. Shasta Police Department to contact business owners and managers in the event of an emergency during or after business hours.
If you need assistance, please call (530) 926-7510.
Business Improvement Area Tax
There are Parking District Fees and Snow Removal Fees for businesses that are located in the downtown Mt. Shasta Business Improvement Area. To determine if you are located within the boundaries of the Business Improvement Area, please refer to the Business Improvement Area Map.
Parking District fees are based on the square footage of the business area for retail and commercial office space. For restaurants, the fees are based on the number of seats in the facility. Any privately-owned parking spaces will be given a credit per parking space, and will be deducted from the total amount calculated.
Operating a Business Out of Your Home
If you will be operating your business out of your home and live within the City Limits, you will be required to obtain a Home Occupation Permit from the Mt. Shasta Planning Department.
Signage for Your Business
A Sign Permit is required for any signage on the outside of the building. This also includes sandwich board signs and temporary banners. For more information and required application forms, contact Mt. Shasta City Hall.
Planning Department clearance is required if you are installing or changing any signage. Building Department approval is required if you are making any modifications to the facility in which you are operating, or a change in the type of use of the facility.
An Encroachment Permit is required if you will be encroaching on City property (i.e., sandwich boards, tables, sidewalk sales, etc.) For more information, contact Mt. Shasta City Hall.
Additional Licenses or Permits
Siskiyou County Health Department approval is required for facilities listed on the Health Department worksheet. Please contact them prior to submitting your Business License Application.
Fictitious Business Name — If your business name is anything other than your legal name, a Fictitious Name Statement must be obtained from the Siskiyou County Clerk’s office. They are located at 311 4th Street in Yreka, California and may be contacted at (530) 842-8084. A copy of the Fictitious Name Statement must be provided to the City when applying for a business license.
Internal Revenue Service — Your business may require a Federal Tax I.D. number, which is required for reporting Federal Income Tax. Contact the Internal Revenue Service at (800) TAX-1040, or visit their website for more information.
Franchise Tax Board — All businesses are required to report State Income Tax. Contact the Franchise Tax Board at (800) 852-5711, or visit their website for more information.
State Board of Equalization — If your business is a retail sales business, you will need a Seller’s Permit to collect State Sales Tax. To obtain a Seller’s Permit, contact the State Board of Equalization at (800) 400-7115, or visit their website for more information.
Other Resources
JEDI – Jefferson Economic Development Initiative
205 Chestnut Street, Mount Shasta, CA 96067
(530) 926-6670
Mt. Shasta Chamber of Commerce
300 Pine Street, Mount Shasta, CA 96067
(530) 926-3696
Mt. Shasta City Revolving Fund (CDBG)
Administrated by Great Northern Services
310 Boles Street, Weed, CA 96094
(530) 938-4115
Siskiyou County Economic Development Council
1512 S. Oregon Street, Yreka, CA 96097
(530) 842-1638
Siskiyou Training and Employment Program, Inc. (STEP)
190 Boles Street, Weed, CA 96094
(530) 938-3231