FAQs
How can I reach a member of the City Council?
You can e-mail or call them directly.
How long does my business license last?
Your business license tax is a non-refundable annual tax. The business license needs to be renewed annually. You will receive a courtesy renewal notice early December each year. The City assesses late filing charges 60 days after a Business License has expired. It is business owner's responsibility to renew the business license on time even if the renewal notice is not received. Penalties are assessed for delinquent accounts, regardless of whether you received a renewal notice.
What are the penalties for texting while driving?
They are similar to the cellphone law that went into effect July 1, 2008. The base fine for a first violation is $20; subsequent violations are $50. However, the total cost of the citation will be significantly higher than the base fine with the addition of local court costs and program fees. The exact penalty varies from county to county.
When do I need to submit a Waste Management Plan?
As a condition of issuing the building permit application, a Waste Management Plan (BEFORE PERMIT) must be submitted and approved. The plan includes estimates of waste generated and materials to be diverted before the construction permit will be issued. For complete information on the Waste Management Plan, please visit the Construction and Demolition page.
Where are the restrooms located?
Restrooms are located in Leo Ryan Park. The Recreation Center will not be open during the concerts.
What if my business is in my home?
You are still required to obtain a business license if your residence is in Foster City city limits. Check with Planning Department to ensure that your business is permissible from your home.
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not allowed unless they are a registered service animal.
How many Commissions are there for the Foster City?
There are six Citizen Advisory Committees: Traffic Review Committee, Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Committee, Information Technology Advisory Committee and Youth Advisory Committee.
If you get in an accident while texting while driving, are the penalties harsher?
The penalty for violating that law remains the same. However, if your texting contributed to the collision, the officer could charge you with a host of other violations including reckless driving, unsafe speed for conditions, etc. If the collision should involve bodily injury or great bodily injury, you could also be charged with violation of VC 21070, which includes an additional base fine of $70-$95 (plus penalties and assessments).
Can I leave my designated area during the concert?
Please stay in your designated seating area unless you are purchasing concessions or using the restroom.
Can I start my business as soon as I pay the fee?
No. All the appropriate permits and/or approvals from Planning, Building, Police and/or any other City department may have to be secured before your business can start. All federal, state, county and city laws, ordinances and regulations must be complied with as well.
How do I get appointed to a Commission or Committee?
When vacancies occur on a Commission or Committee, the City Clerk advertises the openings. A notice is normally placed in the local newspaper and on the City's website. Updated information on Commission or Committee vacancies is available by contacting the City Clerk at (650) 286-3250.
Are there any restrictions on where I do business?
Every business must meet zoning requirements to ensure that the business activity and site are compatible. BEFORE SIGNING any lease or rental agreement, we suggest that you check with the City's Planning Department to make sure your business activity is appropriate for the area's zoning and it will not require a public hearing or special parking considerations. Call (650) 286-3232 for additional information.
Is there a dance floor?
How do I obtain a Marriage License?
Information on how to obtain a Marriage License in the County of San Mateo can be found at the County Assessor's web page.
I have a wonderful idea for a great sign!
Check with the Planning Department before using or installing ANY type of sign, flag or banner, even balloons. Permanent and temporary signs require review and approval prior to issuance of permits and installations.
Where and when are the City Council meetings?
The City Council meets on the first and third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Council Chambers, 620 Foster City Boulevard. Click here for the current City Council Calendar.
How do I obtain a Fictitious Business Name?
The City does not issue Fictitious Business Names. You must file a Fictitious Name registration or a "doing business as" (dba) with the County of San Mateo if you are using a name other than your own. Contact the County Clerk's office at (650) 363-4712 or visit their website.
The fictitious business name must be filed before applying for a business license with the City.
How can I pay for the business license tax?
All new business license applications must be accompanied by a payment. Payment methods include, cash (in person), check or money order (payable to City of Foster City), and credit card (VISA or MasterCard in person or by phone). Application may be submit in person, by mail or email.
City of Foster City
Business License Division
610 Foster City Blvd.
Foster City, CA 94404
(650) 286-3258
businesslicense@fostercity.org
What if I have more than one business or more than one location?
If you own more than one business, a separate business license is required for each type of business.
If you have one business with multiple locations within the City, each location is required a business license certificate. The fee for additional copy of an existing license is listed in the City’s Master Fee Schedule.
I just purchased this business. Can I use the business license from the previous owner?
No. A business license cannot be transferred or re-assigned. As a new owner, you need to apply for a business license in your name.
What do I need to do if my business is a nonprofit organization?
If your business is a nonprofit organization, it is exempt from the business license tax. However, a business license with the City is still required. Tax-exempt organizations are required to provide proof of their nonprofit status in order to receive a business license. They must provide a copy of a statement from the California Secretary of State or the Internal Revenue Service stating that the business has a nonprofit status of 501(c)(3).
Do state-licensed contractors also need a Foster City business license?
Any person licensed as a contractor by the State Contractor's Board must obtain a business license if they are (1) conducting business in the City of Foster City; or (2) based in the City, whether conducting business in or outside of the City.
