A 10-Step Plan to Setting Up Shop in Long Beach
1. Evaluate Your Needs And Determine Your Location
2. Zoning
The City of Long Beach Department of Development Services
Phone: (562) 570-6194
Website: www.lbds.info/planning/default.asp
The City of Long Beach has established zoning ordinances for both home-based businesses and commercial addresses.
3. Fictitious Name (dba)
To File a Fictitious Business Name:
Los Angeles County Registar
Phone: (562) 462-2177
Website: www.lavote.net/Clerk/Business_Name.cfm
If you intend to name your firm anything other than your own name, you must file a fictitious business name, also called a dba (Doing Business As).
4. Get A Business License
The City of Long Beach Business License Division
Phone: (562) 570-6211
Website: www.longbeach.gov/commercial/business_licenses.asp
Any person operating a business in the City must obtain a business license and pay an annual business license tax. Also, the Business License Division can tell you which permits are necessary before opening.
5. Get Important State Permits
The Business Development Center, the Business License Division, and the Development Services Center can all help you determine what other permits or licenses you may need. Contact the appropriate offices listed below.
For Wholesale and Retail Businesses
To Apply for a Seller's Permit:
State Board of Equalization: www.boe.ca.gov/info/reg.htm
For Restaurants and Food Vendors
A Health Inspection is required.
City Health Department: (562) 570-4132 ext. 0
For Restaurants Serving Alcohol and Liquor Stores
A Liquor License is required.
California Department of Alcoholic Beverages Control: (562) 982-1337
For Some Types of Retail and Manufacturing
South Coast AQMD: (310) 233-7000
Website: www.aqmd.gov
Business Structure
If you are filing as a corporation, S corporation, partnership, or limited liability company, you must register.
Secretary of State: (916) 657-5448
Website: www.ss.ca.gov
6. Get the Right City Permits
The City of Long Beach Development Services Center
The Development Services Center has representatives from various City offices to help determine the permits you will need. The Center is located in City Hall, 4th Floor, 333 West Ocean Boulevard. Contact Development Services staff directly at the numbers listed below.
Zoning
For questions about Zoning, Environmental Review, Land Use, and Conditional Use Permits.
Phone: (562) 570-6194
Development Services
For questions about Plan Check, Mechanical, and Electrical Permits.
Phone: (562) 570-6651
Business License
Phone: (562) 570-6211
Public Works
For questions on public right-of-way, sanitation, and recycling.
Phone: (562) 570-6383
Fire Prevention Services
Phone: (562) 570-7086
Permit Processing Assistance
The Development Services Help Desk offers business assistance by providing information, guidance, counseling, mediation and referral services in getting through the City's permitting process.
Phone: (562) 570-6651
7. Get A Federal Taxpayer Identification Number
Internal Revenue Service
Phone: (800) 829-1040
Website: www.irs.gov
A partnership, corporation, or a sole proprietorship with employees requires a Federal Tax I.D. Number. A sole proprietorship without employees can use the owner's social security number.
8. Get A State Identification Number
Franchise Tax Board
Phone: (800) 852-5711
Website: www.ftb.ca.gov
The same rules generally apply for a State Tax I.D. Number as for a Federal Tax I.D. Number. Please refer to the item above.
9. Open A Checking Account For Your Business Only
Separate business and personal accounting is essential when you file your tax return.
10. Successful Businesses Have Business Plans
The City of Long Beach Business Development Center offers a workshop on how to prepare a business plan. For a schedule of low-cost workshops, call us at (562) 570-6615.
