City of Long Beach, CA

The purpose of this brochure is to provide the small business owner with general guidelines on what steps to take then attempting to open, alter or expand a small business in the City of Long Beach. Please keep in mind that each business is unique and is face with its own specific set of circumstances, thus not all of these steps might apply to your particular business or situation and additional steps might be required.

Determine the services or products your business will provide/produce, evaluate your physical needs and find a location to set up shop. Do not sign a lease agreement or commence any improvements until you complete the following steps:
Call the Community Design & Development Division at (562) 570-6194 to determine the zoning of the property, if your proposed use is allowed, or if planning permits are required and the cost of the application process, how much parking will be required, and what types of signs are allowed.
Call the Building Bureau at (562) 570-6651 to determine what type and number of building permits will be required to improve, convert, modify or expand the proposed suite or building for your proposed business and how much the permits will cost. The Department offers Special Building Inspections, for a fee, to determine general building requirements for your proposed business.
Call the Business License Division at (562) 570-6211 for an Application, business license fees, Business License Booklet and information on filing for a fictitious name (dba) and State or Federal permits and/or tax I.D. numbers.
Call the Economic Development Bureau - Small Business Development Center at (562) 570-3800 for information relative to the possibility of obtaining a small business loan, start-up money, and counseling and small business workshops.
Develop a lease agreement with the building/property owner. We recommend that you place a contingency clause in the contract relating to obtaining City permits and approvals prior to the contract taking effect. You should also determine, up front, who will be responsible for improving the suite or building and the associated costs.
If required, develop a set of architectural plans and obtain all necessary planning and building permits. Complete all necessary work and obtain a final inspecition and sign-off for the building permits.
Submit your Business License application when you are near to completing your physical improvements and building permits. A Business License Team Inspection may be required depending on your type of business. If you do not require a Team Inspection, call (562) 570-6211 to schedule an inspection date after all your building permits are approved and completed - you should be ready to open shop by the time you have your team inspection.
After the Business License Team Inspection is complete and any remaining deficiencies have been corrected, you will be issued a City Business License.
Open your doors and Good Luck with your new business.

We look forward to working with you in your endeavors to establish, modify or expand your business in the City of Long Beach. If you have any further questions relative to the permitting process, please be sure to call the Development Services Center Help Desk at (562) 570-6952.

Helpful Telephone Numbers
Business License	(562) 570-6211
Community Planning	(562) 570-6458
Development Services Help Desk	(562) 570-6952
Economic Development	(562) 570-3800
Fire Department	(562) 570-2500
Health Department	(562) 570-4000
Planning and Building	(562) 570-6651
24-Hr. Bldg. Insp. Request Line	(562) 570-6105
Police Department	(562) 570-7236
Zoning Information	(562) 570-6194