Business Licensing
Business Licensing
The City of Blue Lake requires an annual business license for all businesses operating within the City or providing services in Blue Lake. This requirement applies to all business types, including sole proprietors and businesses with employees, as well as rental property owners. Business license fees are established by City Ordinance No. 483/Resolution 1148
Business licenses are billed annually on January 1 and are due upon receipt. Payments are accepted in person at City Hall or by mail. Please make checks payable to the City of Blue Lake.
Businesses operating from a residence within City limits may require a Home Occupation Permit. To determine if a permit is needed, Applicants must complete a Supplemental Application and submit it to the City along with a $30 fee.
All business license applications are subject to review by the Planning and Building Department prior to approval.
Applications may be submitted to the City Clerk:
- In person at City Hall, or
- By email at CityClerk@bluelake.ca.gov
PDF copies of the Business License Application and Supplemental Application are both available for download on this page. You may also download the city's business license ordinance No. 483 as adopted November 28, 2006.
TOT Forms:
TOT Registration Form
TOT Quarterly Report
TOT Status Update Form
Transient Occupancy Taxes (TOT)
Pursuant to Blue Lake Municipal Code Chapter 3.05, individuals operating short-term rentals within the City of Blue Lake are required to collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) to the City. The TOT rate is 10% of the gross rental revenue received for occupancy by a transient.
TOT returns and payments are due quarterly and must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by the last day of the month following the close of each calendar quarter, as follows:
First Quarter (January–March): Due April 30
Second Quarter (April–June): Due July 31
Third Quarter (July-September): Due October 31
Fourth Quarter (October–December): Due January 31