Every person who operates a business within the City of Arcadia must obtain a Business License and comply with all provisions of the Arcadia Municipal Code. Only businesses specifically exempted by State or Federal statute are not required to obtain a Business License. Business Licenses are not transferable and the certificate is terminated when the business ownership changes. Please advise the Business License Office if you move out of town or go out of business. For additional information, please contact the Business License Office at 574-5430. HOW TO OBTAIN A BUSINESS LICENSE
Application forms may be obtained from the Business License Office at City Hall, 240 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia, or you can download a Business License Application by clicking here and a Business License City Review and Approval Application by clicking here. For those who prefer correspondence by mail, you can request a business license application by writing to the Business License Office at Post Office Box 60021, Arcadia, CA 91066-6021. All portions of the license application pertaining to your business should be completed. It is important to state whether your business is owned solely by you, or whether it is a partnership, corporation or other form of ownership. In addition to an application for a Business License, all businesses located within the City of Arcadia (except those having a Home Occupation Permit) are required to have the approval of the Planning Office for the proposed business location. BUSINESS LICENSE TAX/FEE
Most businesses are required to pay a business license tax/fee. The Business License is valid for twelve months commencing on the first day of the month during which the license is issued and terminating on the last day of the twelfth month. Licenses applied for after starting a business are subject to a late payment processing charge. Please contact the Business License Office for details.Revenue received from the Business License is deposited into the City's General Fund and is used to support City services such as police, fire and public works services. CHANGE OF BUSINESS ADDRESS
If your business intends to relocate within the City, request an application form from the Business License Office and note on the form that this is for a change of address. There is a fee for this transaction. DISPLAY OF YOUR BUSINESS LICENSE
All Business License certificates must be displayed on the premises. For businesses not having a fixed address within the City, the license must be carried on the person. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
Business activity is not permitted on sidewalks or on improved or unimproved lots within the City without a special permit. Door to door selling in residential neighborhoods is not permitted. You may solicit a residence only at the invitation of the occupant. RENEWAL OF YOUR BUSINESS LICENSE
Business Licenses expire twelve months after payment. There is a 30 day grace period following the expiration date in which you can renew your license without a penalty. If you pay 31-60 days after the expiration you will be charged a 20% penalty; if you pay 61-90 days after expiration you will be charged a 60% penalty; and if you are 91 days or more late you will be charged a 100% penalty. As a courtesy, business license renewal applications are mailed to each registered business in the City approximately one month prior to expiration. However, there is no obligation for the City to advise you that your license must be renewed. It is the responsibility of each business to keep its business license current.If you do not receive a renewal application, contact the Business License Office 574-5430. ACTIVITIES REQUIRING A TEMPORARY PERMIT OR "REGISTRATION"
The following activities require either a "no fee permit, "registration" or "rental fee" with the City prior to the commencement of the activity: - A registration for religious solicitation must be filed by all religious organizations desiring to solicit and which, upon City approval, will result in the issuance of a Certificate of Registration for Religious Solicitation. This is not required for Arcadia churches that solicit among their members.
- Wedding dances and private party dances held in public locations.
- Banners hanging across public streets for non-profit organizations (please note that this is only allowed on certain streets).Contact the Business License Office for the rental fee and application at (626) 574-5430.
- A permit is needed for garage or backyard sales. Contact the Business License Office for the regulations and a permit application.
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