Los Angeles County-Business-Permits & Licenses

Business

Auctions Business Requirements & Policies Doing Business with LA County

Purchasing & Contract Opportunities Surplus Property Taxes & Payments Vendor Business Definitions

Permits & Licenses

The government requires businesses to obtain permits and licenses to conduct their operations, but the requirement varies dependent on the location of the company and the type of services it provides. Certain types of businesses are required to have business licenses. Those in unincorporated areas should check with the County Business License Office to see if they are required to have a license, while those in cities should check with their city halls. In addition, specialized businesses may be required to obtain additional licenses or permits, like pest control operators and food establishments. The state regulates some industries as well. The majority of businesses are required to register a fictitious name statement.

Highlights

Businesses Regulated by County Code
Regulatory ordinances adopted by the Board of Supervisors are in the County Code . Title 7 governs business licenses, but regulations affecting businesses are in numerous sections.

Licenses Required for Some Businesses
Not all businesses must apply for licenses to operate in unincorporated areas of the County. Generally, a business is required to be licensed if it is subject to County health or safety regulations.

Permits & Licenses Links

1 2

	Body Art and Tattoos The County regulates body art activities at tattoo, body piercing, and permanent make-up establishments, and issues permits to both the businesses and the practitioners of body art.
	Building Permits Information is provided on permits required by the building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical codes.
	Business Licenses Businesses in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, or in the cities of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Diamond Bar, Malibu, Santa Clarita or Westlake Village, may need a business license from the County. General Information \| Businesses Requiring A License
	Encroachment Permit Application Permits are required for proposed road closures for special events and construction projects.
	Excavation Permit Permits are necessary when excavating in any portion of the road right of way.
	Fictitious Name Business Filing Prior to opening a business, a business name must be selected that is not already in use, and then registered. Fictitious business name statements must be filed with the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's Office. Application for FBN Statement \| Fictitious Business Name Search
	Filming Permits FilmLA coordinates film permits for the County and City of Los Angeles.
	Fire Permits Businesses needing permits from the County Fire Department may obtain information and forms on this website.
	Food Facility Construction Approval Approval of plans is needed when building or remodeling a food facility.
	Grading Permits Grading and landscape permit and plan checks fees are listed for unincorporated areas.
	Health Facilities Public Health licenses health facilities and ancillary health services.
	Industrial Waste Disposal Industrial waste disposal permits are subject to routine inspections and annual fees.
	Journeyman Plumber and Gas Fitter, Maintenance Electrician, Special (Construction) Inspector The Public Works Department provides certification for maintenance electricians , journeyman plumbers and gas fitters, and special (construction) inspectors.
	Massage Parlors/Technicians Massage parlors and technicians in unincorporated areas must obtain business licenses.
	Permits & Licenses List This list provides links to frequently requested permits and licenses.

1 2

Related Departments, Commissions, and Agencies

Did You Know?

You may do an online search of businesses that have received a license from the County.
http://ttc.lacounty.gov/Proptax/BusLic_termsConds.htm

Public Works has 11 district building and safety offices to provide easier access to the public.
http://dpw.lacounty.gov/general/facilities/app_building.cfm

Los Angeles County Online