The following permits are issued in conjunction with the City of Santa Barbara’s Municipal Codes. Please refer to those codes associated with the permit for further information.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Finance Department staff for assistance (805) 564-5346.

·         One day Vendor Permit Request Form (*see coordinator of event)

·         Tobacco License Permit

·         Night Club Permit

·         Solicitor/Peddlers Permit

Miscellaneous Permits

- Handbill Permit                      -Table Permit               -Recreational Dept. Contractor

- Towing Permit                        -Firearm Permit            -Secondhand Dealer Permit

-Coin Operated/ Vending Machine Permit  see also: Zoning for sign requirements

Special Events in our City

Businesses or individuals interesting in participating as a vendor during a Special Event will need to contact the Event Coordinator for further event requirements and information. 

Arts & Entertainment  For further information about events, call the Special Events Coordinator at (805) 564-5418.

Parks and Recreation  For more event information call (805) 897-1982.

Special Events and Application form

Special Events Direct Contacts

To become a vendor contact the Event Coordinator directly.

·         June Summer Solstice  (805) 965-3396     

·         July Sparkle (805) 568-0020                                 

·         August Old Spanish Days (805) 962-8101       TRY THIS LINK FOR INFORMATION         

In conjunction with many events in the city, vendors might need to obtain a one day vendor permit for that event. The cost is $10.00 per day (additional fees or requirements may apply, please be sure to contact the event coordinator for further information). Businesses that already have a business license from the City of Santa Barbara must complete a one day vendor permit to the organizer, and are exempt from the vendor tax. Permits are only issued in association with special events on file with the City Recreation and Parks division

Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show

All artwork sold is original art created by Santa Barbara County artists. The show is held along Cabrillo Boulevard east from State Street from 10am to dusk on all fair weather Sundays and on occasional Saturdays for special shows. For information, call (805) 897-1982 or visit the show website.

·         http://www.SBArtsAndCraftsShow.com/ .

Farmers Market

The Farmers markets held throughout the County of Santa Barbara are organized by the “Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market Association”. If you are interested in participating, please contact them directly.

Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market Association
232 Anacapa Street suite 1A
Santa Barbara, California 93101
Phone: (805) 962-5354

·         http://www.SBFarmersMarket.org/

Tobacco License Permit

The City of Santa Barbara’s Tobacco License is issued in conjunction with the establishments Business License. There is a flat $30.00 (US) fee for this Tobacco License. For further information see Municipal Code 9.20, 9.21.

·         SBMC TITLE 09 Public Peace and Safety (PDF 569KB)
(Go to page 15 in the document.)

See additional costs as outline on the State Board of Equalization website: http://www.boe.ca.gov/sptaxprog/spctlicact03.htm .

·         Tobacco License Application (PDF 262KB)

·         Tobacco Information Sheet (PDF 60KB)

Dance License Permit

·        Nightclub Dance Permit

·        Live Entertainment Dance Permit

·        Limited Dance Permit

(See definition of each in SB Municipal Code Chapter 5.20.010 (H,I,J)).

Be sure to read through the application pages, incomplete or missing applications cannot be processed. Present all documents with payment to SBPD Annex located at 222 E. Anapamu St. Dance Permits must be paid by check only. The Police Technician’s office is not equipped to accept credit cards.

The time it takes to complete a dance permit application is variable and dependent upon many factors, including the time frame for outside agencies to forward pertinent information to the Santa Barbara Police Department.  In general, applicants should expect the entire process to take a minimum of 90 days. Livescan (fingerprinting) is required of all applicants.  Expect the Livescan appointment to be scheduled for approximately two weeks from the date the application is submitted.  Livescan appointments will not be scheduled until the complete application has been submitted along with full payment.

Dance permits are valid for a maximum of one year from the date of issuance.  Dance permits may not be transferred.

Solicitor/ Peddler Permit

All persons conducting door-to-door solicitation in the City of Santa Barbara, whether you are located inside or outside the City, are required to obtain a City of Santa Barbara Business License Tax Certificate and apply for a Solicitor/ Peddler permit.  

Do not begin soliciting door-to-door without completing the permit process.

As a business selling door-to-door in our city, it is important to understand and adhere to certain regulations as set forth in the City’s Municipal Code. These rules were developed to protect our citizens and help to ensure they are treated professionally and with respect.

Each Solicitor/ Peddler Must Have Their Own ID Permit.

·         Peddlers and Solicitors Permit Application (PDF 93KB)

·         Peddler - Minor’s Application (PDF 93KB)

·         Municipal Code 5.32 (PDF 748KB)
(Go to page 59 of the document.)

·        Business License Tax Application

Restrictions Listed in the Municipal Code and on the Permit:

·         The Permit is not valid in or on any City Street, sidewalk, beach or park. One may not sell on any City street or sidewalk by pulling a vehicle to the curb and conducting business, or in any park or beach area or parking lot. SBMC 5.32.035 (A) (1), 9.48.010, 15.16.010.

·         One may not peddle or solicit within the City at any time from sunset to 9:00 a.m., except by prior appointment. SBMC 5.32.035(A) (3).

·         One may not peddle or solicit at any place within any commercial or industrial district in the City. SBMX 5.32.035(A) (4).

Is There a Requirement for a Background Check?

Yes. Once the application packet and the $52.00 process fee are received in the Business License Tax Office, you will be required to visit the Santa Barbara Police to provide fingerprints for a statewide records check. Call (805) 897-2300 to set up your Live Scan appointment.

When will the Solicitors/ Peddlers Permit be Issued?

Once the application has been approve by the Police Department, the Finance Department will contact the applicant to pick up their permit card.

The approval process takes 6-8 weeks from the time of fingerprinting. Several weeks are required by the State Department of Justice to conduct their review of the submitted information and provide direction to the local law enforcement agency.  

Solicitor Conduct

For the most part, door-to-door solicitors are legitimate business people that understand the difficulty of selling door-to-door.

We encourage our residents to ask for the city business license and police approved permit-photo identification. Please have them readily available when soliciting.  

We also encourage our citizens to call the police if they are made to feel uncomfortable or the solicitor cannot show that they have complied with Santa Barbara’s laws regarding solicitors.  A Police Officer will respond promptly to complaints and ensure solicitors are adhering to City’s regulations.

Miscellaneous Permits

Most of the following permits will have to be processed over the counter. Please come to the Cashier’s office, located at 735 Anacapa St. in the City Hall Building, for further information and documentations. Or contact us directly at (805) 564-5346

·         Permit Tables on Sidewalk Application (PDF 74KB)

·         Recreation Department Independent Contractor Application (PDF 65KB)

·        Handbills 5.24, 5.04.610, 22.70.030 see also (California penal code s556, 556.1) Provide a copy of the handbill, it should include the name, address and phone of the distributor. In addition the person, firm or organization causing the handbill to be distributed should be clearly acknowledged. Contact the Business License & Permits Office with any questions or concerns (805)564-5346

·        Secondhand Dealer License issued in conjunction with the State Dept.

·        Firearm License issued in conjunction with the State Dept.

·        Tow Permit will require a list of vehicles, insurance coverage and driver identifications.

·        Coin Operator/ Vending permit application will require a background check and a list of machine locations.