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CA356 obligations4 jurisdictions

Buellton compliance requirements

Every filing obligation for small businesses operating in Buellton, California — federal, state, county, and city-specific.

Breakdown: 106 federal requirements, 220 California state filings, 18 Santa Barbara County requirements, and 12 Buellton-specific requirements. Each obligation links to an authoritative source — the official government page where available, or the authorized filing portal or publisher otherwise.

Federal Obligations(106)

1099-NEC Filing — Nonemployee Compensation

ANNUALTAX FILING

Businesses that pay $600 or more to a non-employee (independent contractor, freelancer, etc.) during the year must file Form 1099-NEC with the IRS and provide a copy to the recipient by January 31. Th...

ADA Title III — Accessibility Compliance for Public Accommodations

AS NEEDEDREGISTRATION

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses that are places of public accommodation (restaurants, retail stores, hotels, theaters, medical offices, professional offices,...

ATF Federal Explosives License/Permit

ONE TIMEINDUSTRY LICENSE

Businesses that manufacture, import, deal in, or use explosive materials must obtain a federal explosives license or permit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Licenses...

Est. fee: $200 ($200 for a manufacturer/importer/dealer license (3-year term). $100 for a user permit (3-year term). Employee Possessor background check fees may apply separately.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

ATF Form 4473 Firearms Transaction Recordkeeping

AS NEEDEDINDUSTRY LICENSE

All Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) must complete and retain ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record) for every firearm transaction conducted through the licensee. Per the Bipartisan Safer Commun...

Est. fee: $0 (No fee. Form 4473 is a recordkeeping obligation, not a filing.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

BIS Export Controls — Export Administration Regulations (EAR)

AS NEEDEDPERMIT

Businesses exporting goods, software, or technology from the United States must comply with the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). Expor...

Est. fee: $0 (No fee for export license applications. Compliance program costs vary.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

BOI Report — Beneficial Ownership Information

ONE TIMEREGISTRATION

The Corporate Transparency Act requires certain companies to report their beneficial ownership information (BOI) to FinCEN. As of March 2025, FinCEN issued a rule exempting all domestic companies from...

Est. fee: $0 (No filing fee. Filing is done online at boiefiling.fincen.gov.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

BOI Report — Updated Report (Ownership Changes)

AS NEEDEDREGISTRATION

Under the Corporate Transparency Act, reporting companies must file an updated Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN within 30 calendar days of any change to previously reported in...

CAN-SPAM Act Compliance

AS NEEDEDREGISTRATION

The CAN-SPAM Act (Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act) applies to all businesses that send commercial email messages — any electronic mail message whose primary purp...

Est. fee: $0 (No filing fee — CAN-SPAM is a compliance-posture obligation with no registration or filing required.)Source → (opens in new tab)

CBP Import Entry — Customs Declaration for Imported Goods

AS NEEDEDTAX FILING

Businesses importing goods into the United States with a value exceeding $2,500 must file an entry with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Formal entries require a customs bond and use of a lic...

COBRA Notice Requirements — Continuation of Health Coverage

AS NEEDEDEMPLOYMENT

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) requires employers with 20 or more employees who sponsor group health plans to offer continuation coverage to employees and their dependents ...

California State Obligations(220)

AB 2588 Air Toxics Hot Spots Emissions Inventory Report

EVERY 4 YEARSPERMIT

Under the Air Toxics Hot Spots Information and Assessment Act (AB 2588), facilities emitting 10 or more tons per year of criteria air pollutants must submit an emissions inventory report to their loca...

ABC Caterer's License (Type 58)

ANNUALINDUSTRY LICENSE

Catering businesses serving alcohol at client locations must obtain a Type 58 Caterer's Permit from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Requires a commissary (licensed premises) and allows s...

Est. fee: $725 ($725 annual fee (approximate). Fees vary; check current ABC fee schedule.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

ABC Distilled Spirits Manufacturer License (Type 04)

ONE TIMEINDUSTRY LICENSE

California ABC Type 04 Distilled Spirits Manufacturer license authorizes the distillation and rectification of spirits, and the sale of distilled spirits to wholesalers and on the licensed premises. D...

ABC Off-Sale Beer & Wine License (Type 20) — Original Application

ONE TIMEINDUSTRY LICENSE

California ABC Type 20 Off-Sale Beer and Wine license authorizes a retail establishment (grocery store, convenience store, drug store) to sell beer and wine in sealed containers for off-premises consu...

Est. fee: $105 (Application fee approximately $105. Annual renewal approximately $470.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

ABC Off-Sale General License (Type 21) — Package Store — Original Application

ONE TIMEINDUSTRY LICENSE

California ABC Type 21 Off-Sale General license authorizes a retail store (package store, liquor store) to sell beer, wine, and distilled spirits in sealed containers for off-premises consumption. Req...

Est. fee: $945 (Application fee $945–$16,560 depending on county population tier. Annual renewal $949.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

ABC On-Sale Beer & Wine License (Type 41) — Restaurant — Original Application

ONE TIMEINDUSTRY LICENSE

California ABC Type 41 On-Sale Beer and Wine license authorizes a bona fide eating place (restaurant) to sell beer and wine (no distilled spirits) for on-premises consumption. Lower cost alternative t...

Est. fee: $100 (Application fee approximately $100–$905 depending on county population tier. Annual renewal $400–$900.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

ABC On-Sale General License (Type 47) — Restaurant — Annual Renewal

ANNUALINDUSTRY LICENSE

Annual renewal of the California ABC Type 47 On-Sale General license for restaurants. Renewal must be completed before the license anniversary date to avoid late penalties. Renewal fee varies by count...

Est. fee: $925 (Annual renewal fee $925–$1,450 depending on county population tier.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

ABC On-Sale General License (Type 47) — Restaurant — Original Application

ONE TIMEINDUSTRY LICENSE

California ABC Type 47 On-Sale General license authorizes a bona fide eating place (restaurant) to sell beer, wine, and distilled spirits for consumption on the premises. Required before selling any a...

Est. fee: $6275 (Application fee $6,275–$16,560 depending on county population tier. Annual renewal $925–$1,450.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

ABC Public Premises License (Type 48 — Bar/Tavern)

ANNUALINDUSTRY LICENSE

Bars and taverns where alcohol is the primary revenue source (50%+ of revenue from alcohol sales, not food) must obtain a Type 48 Public Premises license from ABC. Different from Type 47 (restaurant) ...

Est. fee: $1145 ($1,145 annual fee (approximate). Transfer and original issuance fees differ.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

ABC Small Beer Manufacturer License (Type 23) — Brewery/Brewpub

ONE TIMEINDUSTRY LICENSE

California ABC Type 23 Small Beer Manufacturer license authorizes the manufacture of beer (under 60,000 barrels per year) and sale to wholesalers, retailers, and on the licensed premises. Breweries an...

Santa Barbara County Obligations(18)

APCD Authority to Construct (ATC) Permit

ONE TIMEPERMIT

Businesses in Santa Barbara County must obtain an Authority to Construct (ATC) permit from the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) before constructing, installing, altering, rep...

APCD Permit to Operate (PTO) — Annual Renewal

ANNUALPERMIT

After obtaining an Authority to Construct and demonstrating compliance with all applicable emission standards, businesses in Santa Barbara County must obtain and annually renew a Permit to Operate (PT...

Building Permit for Commercial Tenant Improvements

AS NEEDEDPERMIT

Businesses making structural changes, tenant improvements, or alterations to commercial spaces in unincorporated Santa Barbara County must obtain a building permit from the Santa Barbara County Planni...

Business Personal Property Statement (Form 571-L)

ANNUALTAX FILING

All businesses located in Santa Barbara County with taxable business personal property having an aggregate cost of $100,000 or more must file an annual Business Property Statement (Form 571-L) with th...

Est. fee: $0 (No filing fee. However, property tax is assessed on the declared value of business personal property at approximately 1.0-1.1% of assessed value depending on tax rate area.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

Cannabis Business License

ANNUALINDUSTRY LICENSE

Businesses operating cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, retail, testing, nursery, or microbusiness operations in unincorporated Santa Barbara County must obtain a cannabis business lic...

Fictitious Business Name (DBA) Registration

EVERY 5 YEARSREGISTRATION

Any business operating in Santa Barbara County under a name other than the owner's legal name must file a Fictitious Business Name Statement with the Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder. This includes...

Est. fee: $47 ($47 filing fee for one business name with one registrant. $5 for each additional business name or registrant. Newspaper publication costs are separate and typically range from $30-$80 depending on the newspaper.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

Fire Department Operational Permit

ANNUALPERMIT

Businesses in unincorporated Santa Barbara County that conduct operations regulated by the California Fire Code (CFC) must obtain an operational permit from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. T...

Food Facility Health Permit

ANNUALPERMIT

Any business operating a retail food facility in unincorporated Santa Barbara County must obtain an annual health permit from the Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services (EHS). This include...

Est. fee: $850 (Fees vary by facility type and size per the Santa Barbara County EHS fee schedule. Annual permit fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. The Board of Supervisors approved fee adjustments in August 2025 to achieve full cost recovery. New facilities require a plan check fee ($200-$600+) in addition to the operating permit fee. Temporary food facility fees range from $196-$700 depending on event type.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

Grading Permit

AS NEEDEDPERMIT

Businesses or developers planning grading, earthwork, or excavation activities in unincorporated Santa Barbara County must obtain a Grading Permit from the Santa Barbara County Planning and Developmen...

Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP)

ANNUALPERMIT

Any business in Santa Barbara County that handles, stores, or uses hazardous materials at or above reportable thresholds must prepare and submit a Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP) through the ...

City Obligations(12)

City of Buellton Building Permit (via Santa Barbara County)

AS NEEDEDPERMIT

A building permit is required before any construction, renovation, alteration, or demolition of structures within Buellton. The City of Buellton contracts with the County of Santa Barbara Building and...

Est. fee: $500 (Building permit fees are determined by the County of Santa Barbara based on project valuation and scope. Fees include plan check, permit issuance, and inspection fees. Contact the County Building and Safety Division at (805) 568-3030 (Santa Barbara) or (805) 934-6230 (Santa Maria) for fee estimates. City development impact fees may also apply.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

City of Buellton Business License Tax

ANNUALREGISTRATION

All persons engaged in business within the City of Buellton must obtain a business license and pay the applicable business license tax pursuant to Buellton Municipal Code Title 5, Chapter 5.18 (Busine...

Est. fee: $75 (Fee varies by business classification pursuant to BMC Chapter 5.18. Contact the City Clerk at (805) 686-7424 for the current fee schedule for your business type. Nonprofit/charitable organizations are exempt.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

City of Buellton Conditional Use Permit (CUP)

ONE TIMEPERMIT

Certain business uses in Buellton require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) before operations may commence, as specified in BMC Title 19 (Zoning). CUPs are required for uses that may have potential impac...

Est. fee: $2000 (Fees are deposit-based and calculated at fully allocated hourly rates relative to average processing time. Major CUP and Minor CUP (MUP) have different fee levels. Contact the Planning Department at (805) 688-7474 for the current fee schedule. Fees are collected at multiple stages of the review process.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

City of Buellton Filming Permit

AS NEEDEDPERMIT

A filming permit is required for any commercial filming, photography, or media production activity conducted on city property or that affects public rights-of-way within the City of Buellton. This inc...

Est. fee: $100 (Permit fee varies based on scope and duration of filming. Contact the Planning Department at (805) 688-7474 for current fees. Additional costs may include insurance, security, and public works coordination fees.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

City of Buellton Home Occupation Permit

ONE TIMEPERMIT

It is unlawful to establish, cause, permit, or maintain any type of business, profession, or other commercial occupation in an area zoned for residential use without first securing a zoning clearance ...

Est. fee: $45 (Application fee is $45 for a Zoning Clearance. The home occupation permit is issued through the zoning clearance process. Additional conditions may be attached to the permit.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

City of Buellton Sign Permit

AS NEEDEDPERMIT

A sign permit is required before installing, altering, or relocating any commercial sign within the City of Buellton. Sign regulations are codified in BMC Sections 19.04.170 through 19.04.176 and are ...

Est. fee: $45 (Sign permit fee is set by the Planning Fee Schedule. Contact the Planning Department at (805) 688-7474 for the current fee. The Zoning Clearance fee ($45) may apply as the base; additional fees for larger or more complex signs may be assessed based on hourly review time.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

City of Buellton Special Event Permit

AS NEEDEDPERMIT

A special event permit is required for any organized public event held within the City of Buellton that uses city streets, sidewalks, parks, or public spaces, or that may affect traffic, public safety...

Est. fee: $100 (Application fee varies by event type and scale. Contact the Planning Department at (805) 688-7474 for current fees. Additional costs may include insurance, security, and public works fees for road closures or cleanup.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

City of Buellton Temporary Use Permit

AS NEEDEDPERMIT

A Temporary Use Permit (TUP) is required for short-term commercial activities that are not part of a permanent land use, such as seasonal sales (Christmas tree lots, pumpkin patches), temporary outdoo...

Est. fee: $45 (Application fee set by Planning Fee Schedule. Contact Planning Department at (805) 688-7474 for the current fee. The TUP typically has a defined duration and may impose conditions on hours, noise, parking, and signage.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

City of Buellton Zoning Clearance

ONE TIMEPERMIT

A Zoning Clearance (ZC) is required before establishing, changing, or expanding any business use within the City of Buellton. The Zoning Clearance verifies that the proposed use is consistent with the...

Est. fee: $45 (Zoning Clearance project application fee is $45.00. Additional fees may apply if the project requires further review or building permits through Santa Barbara County Building and Safety.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

Santa Barbara County Fire Department Review -- Commercial Projects

AS NEEDEDPERMIT

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department provides fire safety plan review and inspection services for commercial and industrial development within Buellton. The Fire Department's Planning and Engineer...

Est. fee: $350 (Fire Department Review Fee Schedule (08-21) applies. Fees vary based on project type and complexity. The City maintains a separate Fire Department Review Fee Schedule available at the Development Impact Fee Schedules page. Contact SB County Fire at (805) 681-5523 for estimates.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

17,163

Obligations tracked

16,959

Source citations

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