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Business Licensing Guidelines



Get your business up and running in Long Beach! Explore the business licensing process, discover which City departments are involved, and learn what to expect along the way.

Departments Involved

The City of Long Beach works to make starting or expanding a business as smooth and predictable as possible. Depending on your project, you may work with one or more of these departments during permitting review and approval processes.

Business License: Issues business licenses and entertainment permits.

Planning and Zoning: Checks whether your business activity is allowed at your chosen location and reviews zoning requirements.

Building and Safety: Reviews tenant improvement plans and proposed space layouts—even when no construction is planned—to ensure safety requirements are met. Issues permits, conducts inspections and approves occupancy.

Environmental Health: Examines construction and tenant improvements plans, issues health-related permits, and conducts inspections for businesses handling food, hazardous materials, tobacco sales or other health-regulated activities.

Fire Prevention: Reviews plans and conducts inspections to ensure fire and life-safety requirements are met.

Public Works: Reviews private projects that affect streets, sidewalks, public parking or public infrastructure.

Economic Development and Opportunity: Provides support services, resources, and programs to help businesses grow and succeed.

Starting Your Business with the City

Getting a business license looks different for every business. This guide provides a brief overview of the process based on your business type, location, and the products or services you offer. Need help getting started? Contact us!
Before investing in buildout, verify with Planning that your business type is permitted at your location. If food-related, connect with Environmental Health early about layout design.
Submit plans for review, obtain permit approval, and pass inspections, addressing any required corrections at each stage. Once your permit is finalized, you'll receive clearance for occupancy.
All Long Beach businesses must apply for and hold an issued Business License to legally operate.

Explore the Business Licensing Guide

Get an overview of the process, the departments involved and helpful information to get started. Click the image below.
Business License Guide (2) Business License Guide (1)

Page One of the Business License Guide

Page Two of the Business License Guide

Business License Guide (2) Business License Guide (1)

Contact Us

Visit the Development Permit Center at City Hall, 411 W. Ocean Blvd., 2nd Floor. Better yet, make an appointment. Our team will be happy to help you with your project.

411 West Ocean Blvd., 3rd Floor

Long Beach, CA 90802

562.570.LBCD (5223)

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