Pursuant to Bellflower Municipal Code Section 5.04, 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.
For business license related questions, please contact the following staff:
Carolina ContrerasExecutive Assistant I(562) 804-1424 ext. 2008
ccontreras@bellflower.org
- Assists business owners in preparing and submitting a business license application.
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, as it can be both exciting and scary at the same time if this is a first time adventure. There are so many questions, each with different answers - where does one get started? Hopefully the following information can ease your mind, simplify the process, and be a reminder to stay in compliance with City, County, State, and Federal requirements.
Quick Tip: Never sign a lease before contacting the City for land use approval.
Location: Find the perfect location, and, before you sign a lease, ask yourself, "Who will be/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.
City Requirements: All businesses are required to obtain a business license. To apply for a new business license or renew a business license online, please click below:
*There may be additional permits needed for the business. Contact the following Divisions/Department for inquiries:
- Business License: For City Business License information, including requirements and fees.
- Planning: For a Banner Permit (valid for 60 days); Sign Permit (to install a new sign 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, and Electrical Permits, or for occupancy issues, remodeling or maintaining a building.
- Public Works: For Public Right-of-Way work or information. Contact Public Works.
- Code Enforcement: Report a business operating without a business license. Contact Code Enforcement.
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.
-
-
-
-
-
Any business that has employees requires a State Tax ID Number; contact the
Franchise Tax Board.
Federal Requirement: 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.
Film Permit Process: The Film Permit application can be found below on the PDF link under "Business License Permit Forms." For film permit inquires or application submittal requirements please contact Film Permit Coordinator Eric Nichols of Pacific Production Services, Inc. at: (Phone) 323-260-4777 or (Fax) 323-415-6180 or (website)
http://www.lafilmpermits.com/
