Business License

Print Feedback

Font Size: + -

The City of La Mirada requires all businesses operating in the City to pay an annual business license tax. The business license tax is based on gross receipts, building size, commissions or fees depending on the business type.

Pursuant to the City of La Mirada Municipal Code Section 5.02.020 "No person shall commence, transact or carry on any business, trade, profession, calling or occupation in the City of La Mirada without first having procured a license from the City to do so or without complying with any and all application provisions of this title. "

This page provides information about operating a business in La Mirada. It is not intended to be comprehensive of all requirements to operate a business. For a comprehensive list of all requirements please read the La Mirada Business Development and Resource Guide and the FAQ's page.

If you have any questions, please contact the Business License Desk at (562) 943-0131 or bizlicense@cityoflamirada.org

Hours of Operation

Monday - Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Alternate Fridays: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Business License Requirements

If applying as a commercial or industrial business, the La Mirada Business License Application Package will need to be completed. A review of the business location zoning and use restrictions will be completed before an application is approved.
If applying as a Home-Based Business , the Zoning Clearance/Plan Check application & Home Occupancy Permit will need to be submitted with the Home-Based Business License Application.
Businesses must have a physical address, P.O. Box and mail collection services can only be used as a mailing addresses.
Business licenses must be posted or exhibited in a conspicuous place at the business location.
Mobile businesses must carry their license while conducting business in the City.
Businesses using a name other than their own must apply for a fictitious business name (DBA).

Business License Process

Effective January 1, 2020, new/initial business license applications will have to comply with Senate Bill 205 and complete the City SB 205 Compliance Form. Your business license may not be finalized if it is determined that you are required to obtain a NPDES permit with the State of California.

1) Complete the following appropriate form(s) or apply online: (Note- if applying online, the Zoning Clearance/Plan Check Application and Home Occupation Regulation (if applicable) will need to be downloaded and completed)

a) La Mirada Business License Application and Disability Access Requirements and Resources

b) Zoning Clearance/Plan Check Application

c) If applying as a Home Based Business:

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

        d) Out-of-City Contractor Business License Application

2) Submit the application(s) and fees to:

                                   City of La Mirada
                                   Attn: Business License Desk
                                   13700 La Mirada Boulevard
                                   La Mirada, California 90638

3) The application will take approximately 1 to 2 weeks to process. If approved, you will need to schedule an inspection with the City's Building Inspector for an inspection.

4) The City will mail out the business license once it has been processed.

Business Licenses must be renewed annually.

Exempt businesses

A business license shall be issued to the following enterprises or organizations at no charge and marked as “EXEMPT” upon the completion of an application and written notification of your exempt status. (Municipal Code Section 5.04.280)

Useful Links

Business License Tax Worksheet - Calculate your Business Tax
La Mirada Business Development and Resource Guide - Information on how to start a business in La Mirada
City of La Mirada Municipal Code Title 5 - Business License
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration - Apply for a resale certificate
LA County Registrar - Recorder - Apply for factitious business name (DBA)
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration - Information on California's state and local sales and use tax Senate Bill 205 Frequently Asked Questions- Effective January 1, 2020, addresses the issues of stormwater pollution

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Word Viewer