Business Licenses

Welcome to the City of Sierra Madre Business Licensing. We’re excited that you’re considering doing business in our charming “Village of the Foothills.” Whether you’re a new entrepreneur, an established local, or expanding your services here, the City of Sierra Madre encourages residents and business owners to complete their business license application and join our vibrant community.

By using the Accela Citizen Portal, you can apply for, obtain, and renew your city business license from the comfort of your office or home.

Accela Citizen Portal

Overview

All businesses operating within the city must be registered and licensed to support local services and comply with City Municipal Code. Business licenses are issued annually from July 1 through June 30 (no prorating), with renewal notices emailed each May. Applications must be submitted online with payment and include a copy of the applicant’s driver’s license and any required State licenses (e.g., a California Contractor’s License).

After submission, staff will process the application and may request additional information. Once processed and paid, the application is routed for departmental review. Upon approval, you will receive an email with your issued business license, which must be printed and displayed in a conspicuous location. Vehicle-based businesses must keep a printed copy on the dashboard or driver’s side window.

Applications for Home Occupations must also complete the Home Occupation Permit Application for review by the Planning and Community Preservation Department.

Any income property owned within the City limits requires the owner to obtain a business license.

Resources

Step 1: Determine the business site location and obtain the required permits.

Selecting the right location for your business is crucial to its success. For this reason, the City's Planning and Community Preservation Department has specific zoning requirements for different types of businesses. Check with planning at 626-355-7138 to determine if the type of business you wish to operate is allowed in the desired location and what, if any, permits you will need to obtain. If your business is not permitted in the zoning district you have chosen, planners can advise you of the proper zoning district(s) for your business.

Home Occupation Permits are required for businesses conducted from a residence. Applications for such a permit can be uploaded and submitted to the online portal, along with your business license application.

Step 2: Determine a business name.

If the name you choose for your business is anything other than your own legal surname, California state law requires you to file a fictitious name statement in order to ensure that the public knows with whom they are conducting business.

Step 3: Determine whether you need a resale number.

A resale number is a requirement for any one conducting business as a seller of tangible property. A resale number can be obtained through the State Board of Equalization at 626-480-7200.

Step 4: Obtain any permits or licenses required by state or federal government for your business.

The state and federal governments have additional requirements for businesses. Certain businesses are required to obtain permits from the Department of Consumer Affairs and/or state and local environmental agencies.

Step 5: Apply for your business license.

After obtaining the required permits and receiving approval for your business location from the Planning and Community Preservation Department, you may apply online for your business license through the Online Portal.

Do I need a Business License?

Yes. City Municipal Code requires anyone engaging in or representing a business, trade, profession, or occupation within the City to obtain a business license before operating. A separate license is required for each business location, branch, or distinct type of business conducted at the same address.

Who needs a Business License?

A business license is required for any person or entity conducting business within the City of Sierra Madre, whether or not the business has a physical location in the City and regardless of profit status. This includes businesses operating from commercial or residential locations within the City, businesses based outside the City that provide services or sell goods within City limits, independent contractors, sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations, other legal entities, and owners of income-producing property located in the City. A separate business license is required for each business location or branch. City law prohibits any person or entity from engaging in business, trade, profession, or occupation within the City without first obtaining the required license and complying with all applicable City ordinances.

Can I get a temporary business license?

The City issues a business license for a 12-month calendar period.

Can I get a one-day or special event business license?

Yes. The City of Sierra Madre offers a one-day business license for activities that only occur on a specific day or during a defined event. This license type is intended for short-term business operations—such as vendors or sellers at a festival, craft fair, or other limited event—without requiring an annual license.

A one-day/special event license must be obtained before the activity takes place and must have an established beginning and ending date and time. There is a separate fee for this license, typically charged per event.

Keep in mind that if the event is on City-owned property or rights-of-way (for example, a street fair or community festival), you may also need a Special Event Permit from the City’s Community Services Department in addition to the one-day business license. Special Event Permits are required for events attracting groups of people and have their own application timeline and fee structure.

What if my business is home-based?

Home-based businesses must obtain both a City business license and a Home Occupation Permit. Home occupation permits are issued by the Planning and Community Preservation Department and must be submitted with the business license application. The Planning Department reviews each application to ensure the business is permitted in a residential area and does not impact the surrounding neighborhood.

Will my information be sold as a mailing list?

No. The City of Sierra Madre does not produce business information for the purpose of mailing lists. According to the State of California Public Records Act the City of Sierra Madre must provide the non-confidential information of all businesses that may be obtained by anyone for purchase.

New procedures for business licensing are in effect as of September 21, 2023.

For fixed places of business within Sierra Madre, any city department, such as Building and Safety for Fire Department, or any government agency, such as Department of Public Health, may require a review, inspection, or investigation of the business premises to determine necessary requirements.
There are now general suspension and revocation procedures applicable to any business license issued by the city.
Decision by the city to deny, suspend, or revoke a business license may be appealed by the applicant, but must be filed within 15 days of decision following all requirements.
New license requirements and appeal procedures are implemented for massage businesses or establishments.

For detailed information, please refer to the resources linked below:

Ordinance No. 1468

Contact Us

232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Sierra Madre, CA 91024

(626) 355-7135

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