Landscaping Permit Requirements in San Diego, CA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. California CSLB — C-27 Landscaping Contractor License

   Landscaping jobs of $1,000 or more (labor + materials) — or any job requiring a permit, employees, or contractor advertising — require a C-27 Landscaping license from CSLB: law/business + trade exams, 4 years journey-level experience, and a $25,000 contractor bond.

   Official government source

   $450 original application fee + $200 initial license (sole owner; $350 non-sole) + $25,000 bond (premium ~$100–$400/yr)·6–12 weeks

   $450 original application fee + $200 initial license (sole owner; $350 non-sole) + $25,000 bond (premium ~$100–$400/yr)

   6–12 weeks

2. California Department of Pesticide Regulation — Pest Control Operator License (if applying pesticides)

   Landscapers who apply pesticides for hire need DPR licensing: typically a Maintenance Gardener Pest Control Business License (Category Q) for incidental applications, with individual applicators holding a Qualified Applicator Certificate/License. County agricultural commissioners enforce locally.

   Official government source

   Per DPR's current licensing fee table (fees vary by license type; verify at cdpr.ca.gov)·4–8 weeks

   Per DPR's current licensing fee table (fees vary by license type; verify at cdpr.ca.gov)

   4–8 weeks

3. California Seller's Permit (if selling nursery stock or products)

   If your business sells plants or landscape materials to clients, you must hold a California Seller's Permit from the CDTFA to collect and remit sales tax.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online registration)

   Free

   Immediate (online registration)

1. City of San Diego Business Tax Certificate

   All businesses operating in the City of San Diego must obtain a Business Tax Certificate from the Office of the City Treasurer. It is a tax registration, not a regulatory license. The fee is based on employee count only: $34/year for businesses with 12 or fewer employees, or $125/year plus $5 per employee for 13 or more employees. Every application and renewal adds a $4 state-mandated SB-1186 fee, and beginning July 1, 2025 an annual Minimum Wage Enforcement Fee of $1.47 per employee also applies. Renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $38/year for most small businesses ($34 business tax + $4 SB-1186 fee; 12 or fewer employees); $129/year + $5 and $1.47 per employee for 13+ employees·1–2 weeks (online application)

   $38/year for most small businesses ($34 business tax + $4 SB-1186 fee; 12 or fewer employees); $129/year + $5 and $1.47 per employee for 13+ employees

   1–2 weeks (online application)

2. City of San Diego — Landscape Plan Review / Grading Permit (large projects)

   Routine landscape maintenance and planting need no city permit. Larger projects can trigger permits handled through San Diego Development Services: significant grading requires a grading permit, work in the public right-of-way requires a right-of-way permit, and new or rehabilitated landscapes above state thresholds must comply with the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), with landscape plans reviewed as part of the associated development or building permit. Confirm requirements with DSD (619-446-5000) before bidding large commercial or multi-family work.

   Official government source

   Varies by project scope - fees are set by the associated grading/right-of-way/building permit·2–6 weeks

   Varies by project scope - fees are set by the associated grading/right-of-way/building permit

   2–6 weeks

Official Sources

• California CSLB — C-27 Landscaping Contractor License
• City of San Diego — Business Tax Certificate
• California Department of Pesticide Regulation — Licensing
• California CDTFA — Seller's Permit

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