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Council adopts resolution to impose liens for unpaid business registration fees; city estimates $294,000 in revenue
Summary
The City Council adopted a resolution authorizing liens on properties associated with unpaid business registration taxes and penalties identified through multiple sources. Finance staff said property owners have been given repeated notices; liens will be applied to county property tax bills after a two‑week post‑hearing grace period.
The San Bernardino City Council adopted a resolution imposing liens on certain parcels for unpaid business registration taxes and penalties after a public hearing.
Finance staff explained that San Bernardino Municipal Code section 5.4.076 allows unpaid business registration taxes and penalties to be assessed against associated real property if owners do not comply after notice. Staff said unregistered rental properties are identified through multiple sources including county exemptions, new water accounts, closed registration accounts, code enforcement and citizen notifications. The business registration office said it sends multiple notices (initial, second, and final certified letter) before forwarding properties to the county for lien recording.
Staff recommended adopting the resolution and noted there is a grace period of up to two weeks after the hearing for owners to come into compliance; the county then places liens on property tax bills. The finance department estimated $294,000 in anticipated revenue related to the liens, an estimate included in the 2025–26 budget, and said the action itself had no immediate fiscal impact on the general fund.
There were no public speakers for the item. Councilmember Ortiz questioned whether owners had been properly noticed; staff confirmed that at least three or four notices — including certified mail — were sent. The council voted by unanimous voice vote to adopt the resolution.
Properties that come into compliance between the start of the lien process and the county transfer date (staff said April 9 to May 7 for this list) will be removed from the list, staff added. The resolution directs the director of finance and management services to move forward with the lien list processing and remove properties from the list if owners comply during the grace period.
