Start a Business - Norwalk Chamber of Commerce

Start a Business

The following steps have been prepared to assist new business owners in meeting the municipal requirements to start a business in the City of Norwalk.

WHO MUST OBTAIN A BUSINESS LICENSE?

All persons or companies conducting business in the City of Norwalk are required to obtain a Business License (N.M.C. Section 5.08.010). Included in these requirements are residential landlords (renting four or more units), retail stores, wholesalers, manufacturers, self-employed, professionals, building contractors and home based businesses.

REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS NAME

All businesses are required to register their Business Name with the County Registrar-Recorder office.

SELLER'S PERMITS/RESALE PERMITS

Any type of business that involves sales must obtain a Seller's Permit/Resale Permit atState Board of Equalization before applying for Business License.

HOME OCCUPATION PERMITS

Businesses operating from a residence must obtain a Home Occupation Permit prior to applying for a Business License.

HOW MUCH DOES A BUSINESS LICENSE COST?

The fee for each Business License is established by resolution of the City Council. A tax rate schedule is on file in the Finance Department for your information. A $65.00 investigation, inspection and processing fees is also required if the business is operating from a commercial area in the City of Norwalk.

WHEN ARE BUSINESS LICENSE FEES DUE?

A Business License must be obtained prior to the commencement of business operations. Business owners are responsible for submittal of a business license renewal form or a new business license application and payment of all fees by December 31st of each year to renew the license.

HOW LONG IS A BUSINESS LICENSE VALID?

Business License fees are due ANNUALLY based on a calendar year and expire on December 31st of each year. The City of Norwalk will mail each business owner a renewal notice in November of each year.

ARE BUSINESS LICENSES TRANSFERABLE?

Business License Certificates are not transferable. New business owners must apply for their own business license and may not use the business license of a previous owner.

OTHER INFORMATION

Business activities are subject to the requirements of State, County, and City Municipal Codes. If you have further questions concerning the location of your business, fees, zoning, parking requirements, signs, building permits, utility connections, and engineering requests, please contact the City of Norwalk. We look forward to providing you with information that will be of assistance in locating your business in the City of Norwalk.

Building Permits - (562) 929-5733
Business License - (562) 929-5713
Community Development - (562) 929-5744
Engineering - (562) 929-5723
Finance - (562) 929-5750
Public Safety - (562) 929-5732
Public Services - (562) 929-5511
Utility Billing - (562) 929-5766

Professional Services:
$65 base fee, plus $6 each for first to fourth employee, and $3 for each five to twenty-five, and $1.50 for each thereafter.

Services, Home Occupations and Trades:
$37.50 base fee, plus $6 each for first to fourth employee, and $3 for each five to twenty-five, and $1.50 for each thereafter.

Contractor and Subcontractor:
Basic flat rate of $75.00 per year.

Retail/Wholesale:

	Base Fee	Additional Per 1K
0-15K	$20.25	Minimum Payment
15-40K	$20.25	$.54
40-65K	$33.75	$.41
65K-115K	$46.65	$.27
115K-215K	$57.38	$.20
215K-515K	$76.63	$.17
Over 515K	$128.50	$.135

OTHER SUPPORT AGENCIES

NORWALK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
12040 E. Foster Road
Norwalk, California 90650
(562) 864-7785
www.norwalkchamber.com

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
200 W. Santa Ana Blvd.
Suite 700
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 550-7420
www.sba.gov

COUNTY AGENCIES

FILING FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENTS
Los Angeles County Registrar/Recorder
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, California 90650
(562) 462-2177
www.lavote.net

HEALTH PERMITS
Los Angeles County
Environmental Health Services
(All Food & Drink establishments)
12440 Imperial Highway, Room 519
Norwalk, California 90650
(562) 345-6800
www.lapublichealth.org/eh

FIRE REGULATIONS
Los Angeles County Fire Department
Prevention and Conservation Bureau
19030 Pioneer Boulevard
Cerritos, California 90703
(562) 860-8014

FEDERAL AGENCIES

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICES
(Federal Employer Identification Numbers & Employer Tax Guide)
(800) 829-1040
www.irs.gov

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
12440 Imperial Highway
Suite 170
Norwalk, California 90650
(562) 929-1565
www.socialsecurity.gov

STATE AGENCIES

AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT
SCAQMD
21865 Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, California 91765
(909) 396-2000
www.aqmd.gov

STATE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
12440 Imperial Highway
Suite 200
Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 466-1694
www.boe.ca.gov

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