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Doing Business at the Waterfront

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If you have a business 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 below information about BAP requirements before applying for a BAP.

Please click here to apply for a 2025 Business Activity Permit

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

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Fees

Insurance Requirements

BAP Category	Type of Business	Minimum Liability Insurance
BAP Service	Major Boat Repair (engine, hull, and canvas)	$2,000,000.00
BAP Service	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
BAP Service	Delivery services and services on case by case basis, or operations not listed above	$500,000.00 minimum
Charter Operator	6-Pack Charters	$2,000,000.00
Kayak Excursion Operator		$2,000,000.00

Note: All Liability Insurance coverage shall include protection and indemnity against bodily injury and property damage. The City of Santa Barbara, its officers, employees, and agents shall be named as additional insured.

Insurance certificates updates should be emailed to ARodriguez@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.

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

Business Activity Permit Policy, Regulations, and Clean Boating Guide

Doing Business at the Waterfront

BAP Application Information

Approved Business Activity Permits

Contact

City Hall

Mailing Address

Doing Business at the Waterfront

BAP Application Information

Approved Business Activity Permits

Contact

City Hall

Mailing Address

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