Doing Business at the Waterfront

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Business Activity Permits

If you have a service you wish to offer to the Harbor community, you must obtain a Business Activity Permit (BAP). BAPs are issued by the Waterfront Department and are required before conducting or engaging in any business or commercial activity of any kind (SBMC 17.28.010). All applications are reviewed before approval and issuance of a permit.

Please review the Business Activity Permit Policy before submitting a BAP application.

Business Activity Permit Policy

Please do not submit an application until you have all the required documents to upload into the application.
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

2026 Business Activity Permit Application

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Fees

Insurance Requirements

Category	Type of Business Activity	Minimum Liability Limit
BAP Service	Major Boat Repair (engine, hull, and canvas), and Commercial diving, salvage, and dredging	$2,000,000.00
BAP Service	Minor Boat Maintenance (boat cleaning, detailing, stenciling, sanding, varnishing, minor painting, and minor engine maintenance such as oil, fluid, and filter changes)	$500,000.00
Six-Passenger Charter Operator	6-Pack Charters	$2,000,000.00
Kayak Excursion Operator	Kayak Excursions	$2,000,000.00

Additional Insurance Requirements:

Charter permit applicants shall provide proof that their insurance policy has the proper endorsement(s) for charter operations.
Insurance coverage shall include protection and indemnity against bodily injury and property damage.
Insurance certificate shall include “City of Santa Barbara, its officers, employees, and agents” as an additional insured and should be addressed to the below address:

City of Santa Barbara
132-A Harbor Way
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Email: ARodriguez@SantaBarbaraCA.gov
Evidence of insurance coverage must be provided to the Waterfront Department in advance of the issuance of a Business Activity Permit and/or when the insurance policy is revised or renewed.

Required Document: ACORD Certificate of Liability Insurance

ACORD Certificate of Liability Insurance SAMPLE

What You Need To Renew A BAP

BAP Category	What You Need To Renew A BAP
BAP Service	Annual City Business Tax Certificate $500,000 to 2,000,000 minimum liability insurance $50 Application Fee Certificate of completion of a class/training curriculum in Best Management Practices for Underwater Hull Cleaning taken within the previous five years (Underwater Hull Cleaning Services Only)
Charter Operator	Annual City Business Tax Certificate Current USCG Captain’s License $2,000,000 minimum liability insurance Previous year’s Activity Log Must include each charter date, type of use, number of passengers, and gross income Most recent IRS Form Schedule C $500 Application Fee
Kayak Excursion Operator	Annual City Business Tax Certificate Current first aid/CPR certificate $2,000,000 minimum liability insurance Previous year’s Activity Log Must include each charter date, type of use, number of passengers, and gross income Most recent IRS Form Schedule C $500 Application Fee

What You Need To Apply If You Are A New BAP Applicant

BAP Category	What You Need To Apply For A BAP
BAP Service	Annual City Business Tax Certificate $500,000 to 2,000,000 minimum liability insurance $50 Application Fee Certificate of completion of a class/training curriculum in Best Management Practices for Underwater Hull Cleaning taken within the previous five years (Underwater Hull Cleaning Services Only)
Charter Operator	Annual City Business Tax Certificate Current USCG Captain’s License $2,000,000 minimum liability insurance $500 Application Fee
Kayak Excursion Operator	Annual City Business Tax Certificate Current first aid/CPR certificate $2,000,000 minimum liability insurance $500 Application Fee

Doing Business at the Waterfront

Business Activity Permits

BAP Application Information

Approved Business Activity Permits

Contact

City Hall

Mailing Address

Doing Business at the Waterfront

Business Activity Permits

BAP Application Information

Approved Business Activity Permits

Contact

City Hall

Mailing Address

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