City of Alhambra Business License Application /  Business License Tax Schedule

The City Business License and Occupancy Permit are required of all businesses and contractors doing business in the City the Alhambra. A license is also required for rental property owners and several other types of activities.

Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed and assigned a license number. Once all approvals have been made (including an occupancy permit), a Business License Tax Certificate will be issued. Most business licenses are issued for a 12-month period, to be renewed each year within 30 days of expiration to avoid penalties and interest charges. For more information, call (626) 570-5034 regarding new business licenses and (626) 570-5021 if you have a question about an existing license.

Contact the Planning Division to determine if the desired business location is located in the correct zone.

Information Needed for a Business License:

• The name of the business or individual 
• The physical address/mailing address of the business
• Residential and commercial rentals need to list the locations and unit numbers
• Contact names and phone numbers
• Description of the type of business to be conducted
• Tax identification number (Social Security or Federal ID number)
• Type of business (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation)
• Partnerships must list at least two names with information and signatures of all parties
• Corporations should list major officers
• Contractors must list the state license number and class
• Estimation of gross receipts for the first year of business

What is Needed to Complete the Application Process:

• Completed Business License Application form. (Applications are good for 90 days. If required inspections and approvals are not obtained within 90 days you will be required to reapply.)
• Signature of the owner/officers on the application form
• Home or Business Occupancy Permit Application
• Any additional forms, if needed according to the business type
• Take competed application form to the Development Services Department. The representative will give you a receipt form that indicates required fees pertaining to your type of business and whether it is permitted at the proposed location.
• Take the Receipt Form and Business License application to the Finance Department and pay all applicable fees, including
  
  
  • $50 application fee
  • Business license tax, based on gross receipts and/or type of business. (See Certificate of Occupancy Fee Schedule, Business License Tax Schedule and Flat Rates/Miscellaneous List.)
  • Assessment District Fee if the business is located within the Assessment District. (Contact the Finance Department/Business License Division for Assessment District locations.)
  • Fire Department inspection fee: $95 per hour, with a one-hour minimum; $50 per hour (with one-hour minimum) for recheck inspections
  
  

• Schedule inspections for any additional items such as occupancy or vehicle inspections.
• Return the validated copy of the Receipt Form to the Development Services Dept.
• Call the Building Division at (626) 570-3240 when your business is completely set up to request an Occupancy Inspection. The inspection will be conducted the next business day and will be signed off as "inspection complete" or "another inspection needed"
• Request a Fire Department Inspection at the same time you request an Occupancy Inspection by calling (626) 570-5181. Leave your name, business name, business address and phone number on the recorder.
• Call the Los Angeles County Health Department, West Covina Office at (626) 813-3379 to obtain a Health Department license if your business involves the sale of food or affects the public health or welfare. The Los Angeles County Health Department must approve your building and equipment plans and the premises must pass a Health Department Inspection before opening. Inspections usually take place within a few days of receipt of the license application.
• When all inspections are complete, you will receive a Certificate of Occupancy and a Business License in the mail. You are now ready to start your business!