Business Regulation in Los Angeles

The issuance of a Tax Registration Certificate and the payment of the business tax do not authorize the conduct or continuance of any illegal business or of a legal business in an illegal manner within the City of Los Angeles. The City has enacted regulatory ordinances in areas such as zoning, building safety, police, fire, hazardous material disclosure, sanitation, health, etc., which must be complied with in order to lawfully conduct a business within the City. Failure to comply with these regulatory ordinances may result in legal action being taken against the taxpayer.

Businesses requiring Police and/or Fire Permits may file an application with the Office of Finance, but the approval or denial will be made by the Police Department or the Fire Department. Please refer to pages 20 through 24 of this booklet for more detailed information.

The Zoning Section of the Department of Building and Safety determines whether a business may be conducted at a specific location.

Businesses such as restaurants and massage parlors are required to obtain health permits, which are administered by the County Health Department.

Many businesses are also subject to regulation by State agencies, such as the State Contractor's License Board and the Department of Consumer Affairs. Sellers of goods, wares and merchandise at wholesale and retail must obtain a State Seller's Permit issued by the State Board of Equalization.