Please reach us at rnoda@cityoflosalamitos.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.
1. Evaluate Your Needs and Determine Your Location
The Community Development Department has information on business incentive programs, starting
a business, and Chamber of Commerce information. Working in cooperation with the private real
estate community, the City also assists businesses wishing to locate or expand by identifying
possible locations and offering incentives.
2. Zoning Code and Allowable Uses
The City has established zoning ordinances for both home-based businesses and commercial
addresses. It is important to compare your proposed use to the list of allowable uses before signing
a lease.
3. Fictitious Business Name
If you intend to name your firm anything other than your own name, then a fictitious business name,
also called a DBA (Doing Business As), is required. To File a Fictitious Business Name contact the
Orange County Clerk Recorder at (714) 834-2500, or visit www.ocgov.com.
4. Obtain a Business License
Chapter 5.04 of the Los Alamitos Municipal code requires that a Business License Tax be paid
before any business, trade, profession or occupation is conducted within the City. A Business Tax
payment is required even for businesses based outside of the City (or which have paid business
taxes to another City) if you are conducting business or advertising in the City. To apply for a
business license please contact the Business Support Center at (562) 321-5683.
5. Obtain Important State Permits
The Community Development Department can help you determine what other permits or licenses
you may need. Contact information for commonly used offices is located below:
- Wholesale and Retail Businesses Seller’s Permits
State Board of Equalization: (800) 400-7115, press 0
- Health Inspections for Restaurants and Food Vendors
OC Environmental Health Care Agency: (714) 433-6000
- Liquor Licenses for Restaurants Serving Alcohol and Liquor Stores
OC Alcoholic Beverages Control: (657) 205-3533
- Permits for Some Types of Retail and Manufacturing
South Coast AQMD: (909) 396-2000 Website: www.aqmd.gov
- Business Structure
If you are filing as a corporation, S corporation, partnership, or limited liability company, you
must register with the Secretary of State: (916) 657-5448 Website: www.sos.ca.gov
6. Obtain Proper City Permits - (562) 431-3538
- Planning & Zoning
For questions about Zoning, Environmental Review, Land Use, Conditional Use Permits, and
subdivisions, call extension 303.
- Signage (Temporary or Permanent)
For questions about allowable signage types and sizes, call extension 303.
- Building & Safety
For questions about Plan Check, Building Permits, call extension 302.
- Public Works
For questions concerning public right-of-way, sanitation, and recycling, call extension 101.
- Fire Prevention Services
For questions about hazardous materials, underground storage tanks, and fire investigations, call
OCFA at (714) 573-6000.
7. Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number
A partnership, corporation, or a sole proprietorship with employees requires a Federal Employer I.D.
Number. A sole proprietorship without employees may use the owner’s social security number. For
more information contact the Internal Revenue Service at (800) 829-1040, or visit: http://www.irs.gov.
8. Obtain a State Identification Number
The same rules generally apply for a State Tax I.D. Number as for a Federal Tax I.D. Number. For
more information contact the Employment Development Department at (888) 745-3886, or visit
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 Small Business Development Center offers a workshop on how to prepare a business plan.
For a schedule of low-cost workshops, call (714) 564-5200.
If you have any questions about starting a business, please don’t hesitate to contact the
City of Los Alamitos Business Support Center, at (562) 321-5683, or
by email at LosAlamitos@hdlgov.com
We look forward to helping you start a successful business!
The Los Alamitos Business Alliance offers resources to help businesses start, grow, and succeed. Contact us for assistance with business incentives, job training, and finding a location.
Phone: (562) 431-3538
Cost: $0
Website: cityoflosalamitos.org/187/Economic-Development
Additional Support:
Long Beach Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers free workshops and consulting on marketing, planning, funding, and management.
Phone: (562) 938-5100
Cost: $0
Website: longbeachsbdc.org
SCORE Orange County provides free expert mentoring, workshops, and online business tools.
Phone: (714) 550-7369
Cost: $0
Website: Orange County | SCORE
Confirm your business location complies with city zoning laws. Check zoning requirements at cityoflosalamitos.org/201/Planning or contact the Planning Division.
Select a legal entity type (LLC, Corporation, Sole Proprietorship, etc.). This affects taxation, liability, and financing. Consult an attorney or tax professional for guidance.
More information can be found at bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov.
Required: Corporations, LLCs, LPs, LLPs
Optional: General Partnerships and Sole Proprietorships
Cost: Varies by entity type ($50 – $120)
More Info: Starting a Business – Entity Types : California Secretary of State
If using a name other than your own, register a DBA with the Orange County Clerk Recorder.
Phone: (714) 834-2500
Cost: $23 – $32
Website: Fictitious Business Name | OC Clerk Recorder Department
The mission of Los Al Business Alliance is to promote and support the growth of businesses in various industries by providing resources, education, and networking opportunities.
Required for partnerships, corporations, and businesses with employees. Sole proprietors without employees can use their Social Security number.
Phone: (800) 829-4933
Cost: $0
Website: Get an EIN | Internal Revenue Service
Obtain a business license to operate in the City of Los Alamitos. A business license is required for any business that performs work within the city of Los Alamitos.
Website: losalamitos.hdlgov.com
Employers must register with the Employment Development Department (EDD).
Phone: (888) 745-3886
Cost: $0
Website: Employers: Payroll Tax Account Registration
It is always a good idea to keep business and personal expenses in separate accounts. Do this by going to your local bank and opening a separate account to keep business expenses separate and simple.
A business plan gives a new business a roadmap to success. Free resources are available:
Long Beach Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Phone: (562) 938-5100
Website: longbeachsbdc.org
SCORE Orange County
Phone: (714) 550-7360
Website: Orange County | SCORE
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