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Pursuant to the Bellflower Municipal Code Section 5-1.4 a license is required in order to conduct business in the City.  Every business, unless specifically exempted by the State, pays an annual local business tax.  Business license applications and information on the tax amounts may be obtained at City Hall.  Most business licenses can be issued on  the same day, however, additional approvals and documents may be required prior to issuance of a business license.

What do I Need and Where do I Begin?

Owning a business can be a big step for many first timers.  The City of Bellflower would like to make the process as painless as possible.  Starting a business can be both exciting and scary at the same time if this is a first time adventure.  There are so many questions and different answers, where does anyone get started?  Hopefully the following information can ease your mind, simplify the process, and be a reminder of staying in compliance with City, County, State and Federal requirements.

Location:  Find the perfect Location – Before you sign a lease for a location ask yourself – Who will/are my customers?  How accessible is the location?  Will it be easy to find?  Will the location suit my business?

Zone (Determined by the City):  Find out if the location is in a city zone that permits your particular type of business.  Call the Planning Department and have the address ready. 

County Requirement: Fictitious Name, if you want to name your business any other name but your own, also known as a dba (Doing Business As), it must be filed with the County of Los Angeles Registrar.

City Requirements: All businesses are required to obtain a business license, but there may be additional permits needed for the business.  Contact the following departments for inquiries:                                                                   
• Business License – For City Business License information and Amusement, Dance & Entertainment Permit (A CUP is required prior to requesting an Entertainment Permit).
• Planning – For a Banner Permit (A Banner Permit is valid for 60 days); Sign Permit (To install a new or revise a current sign); Temporary Use Permit (TUP) (To temporarily add or revise the use of your property); Conditional Use Permit (CUP) (To permanently add additional uses to the current property)
• Building – For Building, Mechanical, Electrical Permits, etc. for occupancy issues, remodeling or maintaining a building.
• Public Works – For Public Right-of-Way work or information.

State Requirements: Many businesses require additional permits from the State, check the list below to ensure you have obtained the required permits to operate your business.
• Ownership other than a Sole Proprietor must be registered with the State Secretary.
• For Wholesale and Retail Sales – A Seller’s/Resale Permit is required, contact the State Board of Equalization.
• For Alcohol Sales – (Verify that Alcohol Sales are permitted by calling the Planning Department prior to obtaining a Liquor License.)  A Liquor License is required; contact the State of California Alcohol and Beverage Control Department.
• For Restaurants and Food Sales – A Health Inspection is required; contact the Los Angeles County Environmental Health Department.
• Have employees – Any business that has employees requires a State Tax ID Number, contact the Franchise Tax Board.

Federal Requirements:  Any business that has employees requires a Federal Tax ID Number, contact the Internal Revenue Service.

Finance Tracking:  Open a checking account for the business.  (Keeping business and personal accounts separate makes filing taxes easier.)