| Welcome
to the City of Whittier. We are pleased that you are considering
Whittier for the location of your business. This page is intended
as a summary of information you will need to know in order to
operate a business in the City. The guide is not all-inclusive.
If you have questions please contact the Business License Division
at (562) 464-3315.
The City of Whittier requires all
businesses operating in the City to pay an annual business license
tax. Any person who conducts any business, trade, profession,
calling or occupation in the city is required to obtain a license
whether or not the physical business address is in or outside
the City. Owners of businesses in the City are encouraged to come
to City Hall to review land use issues at the time they submit
a license application. Owners of businesses located within the
city limits must apply in person. However, businesses located
outside the City limits may apply by mail.
The business license application
requires a physical address for the business location. The Planning
Division checks the zoning on every in-city business license application.
Private mailbox addresses are for mailing purposes only and cannot
be used as a business address. A separate license must be obtained
for each branch establishment or separate place of business. Whittier
Municipal Code Section 18.10.02 regulates businesses based out
of the home. Contact the Planning Division of the Community Development
Department at (562) 464-3380 for the regulations.
Licenses cannot be transferred unless
a licensee sells the entire business as a corporation. No license
shall be valid for any location other than that specified on the
business license. If you are using a fictitious business name
(dba-doing business as), the California Business & Professions
Code requires that you file a fictitious name statement. Contact
the Los Angeles County Clerk/Recorder’s Office at (562)
466-1694 or visit their website at http://regrec.co.la.ca.us/
for further information.
Business licenses must be posted
or exhibited in a conspicuous place at the business location.
The owner of a mobile business must carry his/her license with
him/her at all times while engaged or operating within the city.
The City of Whittier now offers license renewal
online for many businesses. Due to land use and other requirements,
not all businesses may renew online. Businesses eligible for online
renewal will have a PIN number on the bottom right corner of their
renewal form. This PIN number, along with the license number,
are needed to renew online by credit card. The online renewal
process includes review of all license information and the ability
to update the mailing address, phone numbers and other contact
information. If there is a change in ownership or business address,
the renewal must be completed in person. If your business is based
on gross receipts, have the gross receipts total available to
enter and the tax will be calculated for you. Licenses can be
renewed online up to six (6) months after the expiration date.
If the tax is paid after the one month grace period, penalties
due will be calculated and can be paid online too.
To download a Business License Application,
please click
here. |
