Business License - Commercial
Any person that transacts or carries on any business, trade, or profession in the City of San Fernando must have a valid Business Licenses issued by the City (SFCC §22-28). For businesses located within the City, a Business License must be obtained before conducting business. Businesses located outside of the City, even if licensed by another jurisdiction, must obtain a San Fernando Business License before doing any business in the San Fernando City limits.
The following questions can help assess whether you need a license.
- Am I involved in the retail or wholesale selling of merchandise, equipment or other material items?
- Am I leasing equipment or other items to others?
- Am I receiving revenue from the rental of living accommodations?
- Am I receiving rental revenue from property used by others to conduct business?
- Do I have a California State Contractor's License?
- Am I in a profession that requires special certification or licensing?
- Am I engaged in any activities which may be perceived by others to be of a "business" nature?
If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, you need a City business license.
The process is simple! Here, you will find the steps you should complete before applying for a City Business License.
Step 1: Verifying the Zoning Requirements, Business Signage and Parking Standards
Contact the Planning Division to obtain a Commercial Occupancy Permit Application and get other related information: (818) 898-1227
Step 2: File a Fictitious Business Name Statement
It is recommended that you call the Los Angeles County Clerk's Office to determine if the business name is already in use: (800) 201-8999 or visit lavote.gov
Contact any newspaper; the newspaper will file your DBA statement and publish your new business name
Step 3: Obtain a State Board of Equalization (SBOE) Resale Permit, If Required
Required for "selling or acquiring any tangible items for repair or use in the business"
Contact the SBOE to file the proper Sales Tax Forms and obtain Labor Standards for Employees: (661) 222-6000 or visit www.boe.ca.gov)
The permit must show the City of San Fernando business address
Step 4: Obtain a Federal Tax Identification Number
Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for your employer identification number. They also provide seminars for new businesses. For additional information and required forms, visit www.irs.gov
Step 5: Obtain a Business License
Contact the City of San Fernando Business Support Center to obtain a Business License and determine the fee amount. The fee depends on the location and type of business: (818) 898-1211 or https://sanfernando.hdlgov.com/
- A $22 processing fee is charged to all new and renewing accounts
Depending on your type of business, you may be required to provide any of the following documents:
- County Health Permit
- Alcoholic Beverage Control Permit
- State Contractor's License
- Establishment and Cosmetology License
- Bureau of Automotive Repair License
You will need the following information to complete the Business License Application:
- Business Name and Address
- Business Telephone Number
- Description of the Business
- Property Owner's Information
- Social Security Number
- Federal Tax ID Number
- Driver's License
- Articles of Incorporation, if applicable
- Alarm Company Information
Step 6: Obtain an Alarm Permit for the Business
You are required to obtain an alarm permit if you have an active alarm system at the place of business
Contact the Finance Department for the application, requirements and more information: (818) 898-1245
The fee is $40 each fiscal year (July through June)
Step 7: Sign Up for Water, Sewer, and Refuse Services
A deposit is required for all new applicants
Contact the Utility Billing Division for additional information: (818) 898-1213
Important Contact Information When Establishing a Business or Expanding your Existing Business
Seller's Permit
State Board of Equalization
505 N. Brand Blvd., Suite 700, Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 543-4900 | www.boe.ca.gov
25360 Magic Mountain Parkway, Suite 330, Santa Clarita, CA 91355
(661) 222-6000 | www.boe.ca.gov
Federal Tax Identification Number
Internal Revenue Service
6230 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA
(800) 829-3676 | www.irs.gov
Garment Inspection
Los Angeles Department of Health Service
2525 Corporate Place, Monterey Park, CA 91754
(213) 881-4029
Smog Check
Bureau of Automotive Repair (State Department)
27202 Turnberry Lane, Suite 250, Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 702-6600 | https://www.bar.ca.gov/
Fixed Locations And Push Carts
Los Angeles County Health Department
6851 Lennox Avenue, Suite 305, Van Nuys, CA 91405
(818) 902-4460 | publichealth.lacounty.gov/
Vehicle Inspection Program - Catering Trucks
Los Angeles County Health Department
5050 Commerce Drive, Baldwin Park, CA 91706
(626) 430-5500
Fictitious Name Filing
San Fernando Sun Newspaper Or Any Newspaper
601 S. Brand Blvd., Suite 202, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 365-3111
Copy Of Articles Of Incorporation
Secretary of State - Los Angeles Regional Office
(213) 897-3062 | www.sos.ca.gov/
Establishment License & Cosmetology/Barber License
California Board of Barbering & Cosmetology
(916) 574-7570 | www.barbercosmo.ca.gov
Contact Information
(818) 898-1211 |http://sanfernando.hdlgov.com
Regular Business Hours
Monday through Thursday | 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
Friday | 8 am to 5 pm