What are the hours of the Business License desk?

Business License desk hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and alternate Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

How do I apply for a City of La Mirada Business License?

Business license applications can be obtained on the City's webpage or visit the Business License desk during business hours.

For all new In-City businesses and Home-based businesses, the zoning clearance/plan check application and/or Home Occupation Regulation (if applicable) will need to be completed.

Effective January 2020, all new businesses will have to comply with SB 205, if applicable. 

Can I have a home based business?

Businesses conducted from a home in the City are required to have a business license as well as approval from our Planning Division.

Before starting a home-based business, please contact the Planning Office at (562) 943-0131.

Home Based Business License and Home Occupation Regulations and Zoning Clearance/Plan Check Application  

How much will my business license tax be?

The business license tax is based on gross receipts, building size, commissions or fees depending on the business type. View the Business License Tax Worksheet to calculate the amount.

What happens if I renew my business license late?

Every person failing to pay the business license fee on the date due will be subject to a penalty of 10% of the amount of the license fee for each thirty days thereafter up to a maximum of 100% of the business license fee due and owing.

What information is required on a business license application?

The requirements depend upon the type of business, but the basic requirements are as follows:
• Business name and address (P.O. Box is not accepted)
• Mailing address (if different from business address)
• Description of business
• State license number (contractors only - license will be verified)
• Federal ID Number (if applicable)
• Owner information - name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, etc.
• Owner signature

When will my business license expire?

The business license will expire one year from the quarter in which it was applied for.

Why do I have to pay a $4 CASp fee?

On September 19, 2012, Governor Brown signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 1186 which adds a state fee of $1 on any applicant for a local business license, similar instrument or permit, or renewal. The purpose of this fee is to increase disability access and compliance with construction-related accessibility requirements and to develop education resources for business in order to facilitate compliance with federal and state disability laws, as specified.

On October 11, 2017, Governor Brown signed into law Assembly Bill (AB) 1379, which changed the State CASp fee starting January 1, 2018. This bill accomplishes the following:

• Removes the sunset provision for the CASp fee, establishing it as a permanent fee.
• Increases the fee to $4 (revised with Assembly Bill 2164 effective January 2024)
• The municipality will retain 90% of the fees collected, remitting 10% to the State (revised with Assembly Bill 2164 effective January 2024)

Division of the State Architect at www.dgs.ca.gov/dsa/home.aspx 

Department of Rehabilitation at www.rehab.cahwnet.gov 

California Commission of Disability Access at www.ccda.ca.gov

 How long does it take to receive a Business License?

Business licenses are mailed out approximately 2 to 3 weeks after an application has been submitted.  Once approved, you will need to schedule a business license inspection with the Building and Safety Department to finalize the application.

 What if I sell or close my business?

Business licenses are non-transferable and fees are not prorated.  The license is terminated when there is a change in ownership.  The new owner will be the responsible party for obtaining a new business license.  The old owner is responsible for closing the existing business license. 

 I am a veteran.  Do I need to pay the business license fee?

The business license fee may be waived for honorably discharged veterans or veterans released from active duty under honorable conditions, who engage in sales (not services), except alcoholic beverages.  Proof of military status will be required.  (AB 498)

 Do I need a business license to operate a residential adult care center or an In-home day care?

 No.  In-home day cares and residential adult cares are licensed through the State of California, Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing.  Please visit California Department of Social Services.

 How do I obtain a Fictitious Business Name?

Please visit Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's Office for information on filing a Fictitious Business Name.

How do I obtain a Seller's Permit?

Please visit the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration for information on obtaining a California Seller's Permit.

If I hire someone to do work at my home, such as gardening or housing keeping services, do they need to have a City of La Mirada business license?

Yes.  All persons or businesses doing work within the City limits are required to obtain a City of La Mirada business license.  You may contact the Business License desk at (562) 943-0131 for verification or the City's business license search database.

What if I have a complaint about a contractor that I hired to do work at my home?

All complaints against contractors are handled through the California Contractors State License Board. 

 What if I have a complaint about a business located in the City of La Mirada?

The City does not handle complaints about unfair business practice or poor service.  if the complaint is regarding unfair business practice or poor service, contact the Better Business Bureau.

How can I verify if the contractor I hired is a State licensed contractor?

Please visit the California Contractors State License Board.

What is SB 205?

Senate Bill 205 (SB 205) is a new California State law (effective January 1, 2020), which addresses the issues of stormwater pollution that remain unregulated by California’s clean water laws. SB 205, requires a business or person applying to the City for a new/initial business license or a renewal business license to provide their Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code. Businesses with a regulated SIC Code, processes and/or activities that have the potential to pollute stormwater, will be required to demonstrate compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Industrial General Permit (IGP)

SB 205 Frequently Asked Questions

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