Business License

Per Chapter 5 of the Union City Municipal Code, a business license is needed for all businesses, trades, professions, callings, and occupations operating in Union City. Also, if you are carrying out business transactions with customers, clients, and tenants in Union City, then you need a business license.

Download and view our business license brochure

The Application Process

In Town Businesses

  1. Complete the REQUIRED Zoning Compliance Review Application:
  2. Once your zoning compliance review application has been approved, please complete an In Town Business License Application, as well as any applicable supplemental forms.

Out Of Town Businesses

  • You may apply for a Union City Business License by one of the following methods:

Regardless of the method chosen to apply for a Business License, please complete the Supplemental Forms that apply to your business location and business type (all forms are downloadable):

Application Considerations

You must submit a new Business License Application for each reason listed below:

  • New Business
  • 2nd Business Location in Union City
  • 2nd Business Purpose for an Existing Business in Union City*
  • Ownership Change for Existing Business*
  • Location Change for Existing Business*
  • Name Change for Existing Business*

NOTE: For reasons marked with an asterisk (*), you are not eligible to submit an online application.

Business license taxes and fees vary based on the type of business that you operate:

The Review Process 

The review process typically takes 3 weeks, but this can vary based on the nature or complexity of your business. Download and view our Pre-Inspection Worksheet.

We will verify the status of any other licenses or permits that you are required to obtain from the following:

We will notify you when our review process is completed, and, if approved or conditionally approved, you will be issued a business license. If denied, we will let you know the reasons, and you will have the opportunity to remedy the issues if they can be reasonably corrected.

Steps to Close a Business License 

  • You may request to close a Union City Business License by one of the following methods:
  • Your business license account will be closed after your formal request has been received, all other verification documents have been reviewed (if applicable), unpaid business licenses taxes/fees have been paid (if applicable), and it has been determined by City staff that there is no evidence of continued business in Union City
  • If you should resume business in Union City, please re-apply using the steps shown above

Business Search

For a list of businesses in Union City, please reference our Business Search Instructions. If you have any questions, please contact Business Licensing at Biz-License@UnionCity.Org

Further Information

If you have questions, you can contact us by: