A business license is an annual non-regulatory licensing fee levied by individual California cities and counties for the privilege of conducting business within a particular city or county jurisdiction. Business license fees are due and payable prior to commencing business within a particular city or county. The fees assessed are intended to raise revenue for the general operating requirements of individual cities and counties. City of Santa Ana business license revenue is used to pay for Police, Fire, and Safety expenses as well as other general operating costs of the City.