• Planning staff will assist you at the Planning Counter in determining if the location you are considering for your business is zoned for that particular use.
• A planner will also advise you of any approvals that are required prior to starting your business (for example, a Conditional Use Permit).
• Planning staff are also available by telephone during regular business hours at (949) 497-0713.

• Once you have determined that the location you have selected for your business complies with the City's zoning requirements and you have obtained all necessary approvals, you can apply for a business license.

• If your business address is your home address you must fill out the Home Occupation form before your application can be processed. 
• This does not apply to Real Estate Agents. This should be emailed to: BusinessLicenses@lagunabeachcity.net         

• If you are proposing interior or exterior construction improvements, you or your contractor can apply for building permits at the Building Counter at City Hall.
• Exterior construction improvements, including painting, usually require Planning Commission approval.
• If you have any questions about building permits, please call (949) 497-0715.

• Planning Department staff will advise you of the sign standards applicable to your business location. Most signs require Planning Commission approval.

If your business is one of the following, click here if you are a sole proprietor and click here if you are a corporation, LLC, or LP.

Ambulance
Fortune Teller
Insurance
Real Estate Broker Firm
Real Estate Sales Agent
Stock Broker
Taxi and Passenger Vehicle

If your business is one of the following, click here if you are a sole proprietor and click here if you are a corporation, LLC, or LP.

Craftsmen
Fabrication
Lawn and Garden
Manufacturing
Personal Services
Practice of Professions
Processing
Recreation & Entertainment
Rental of Personal Property
Renting Accommodations
Retail 
Wholesale

If your business is one of the following, click here if you are a sole proprietor and click here if you are a corporation, LLC, or LP.

Out-of-Town General Contractor (Class A or B)
Out-of-Town Subcontractor (Class C or D)
General Contractor in Town (Class A or B)
Subcontractor in Town (Class C or D)

If you are a new artist working as a sole proprietor, click here.

AB 1379 adds a mandated state fee of $4 on any applicant for a business license or renewal to comply with federal and state disability laws. Under federal and state law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public. You may obtain information about your legal obligations and how to comply with disability access laws at the following agencies:

• The Division of the State Architect at www.dgs.ca.gov/dsa
• The Department of Rehabilitation at www.dor.ca.gov/
• The California Commission on Disability Access at www.dgs.ca.gov/ccda
• California Civil Code §51.6 prohibits businesses from engaging in gender-based discrimination. A full notice of the business’s legal obligations is available in English and other languages at https://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/ or by request from our office.