Starting a New Business

All new businesses to the City, including existing businesses that are changing the business name, ownership, type of use, or location within the City, require a Zoning Clearance and Occupancy Permit. New businesses who will be sharing a space with an existing business will also need to apply for a Zoning Clearance and Occupancy Permit. If you're operating a new business at your home, you are required to apply for a Home Occupation Permit.

The City of Alhambra zoning ordinances regulates the use of land within the City to protect the character and stability of residential, business, commercial, and manufacturing areas. Prior to choosing a site, please contact the Planning Division to determine if the desired business location you are considering is zoned for your business. If the address meets the zoning requirements for the intended use, you'll be required to apply for a Zoning Clearance and Occupancy Permit, or Home Occupation Permit if you're operating a business at your home.

Zoning Clearance & Occupancy Permit

  • Submittal of a Zoning Clearance and Occupancy Permit application to the Community Development Department, Economic Development Division is the first step in the review and approval process. Please submit your application for a Zoning Clearance and Occupancy Permit through our online Permit Access Portal.
  • The Zoning Clearance and Occupancy Permit will be reviewed by the Planning Division to determine whether the proposed business conforms to the zoning regulations. The Building Division will review the application to determine if any building permits may be needed for planned interior or exterior changes to the property. The Fire Department will also review the application to ensure that the building is up to code.
  • If your proposed business location meets the zoning requirements, you will be required to pay the fee for the Zoning Clearance and Occupancy Permit in the amount of $243.
  • Building inspections will be required if building permits are needed. Fire inspections will be required following payment of fees. The Zoning Clearance and Occupancy Permit will be issued once all inspections are completed and approved. 

Home Occupation Permit

  • Submit the application for a Home Occupancy Permit to the Community Development Department, Economic Development Division for review to ensure that the type of business is permitted in your home. Please submit your application for a Home Occupation Permit through our online Permit Portal.
  • The fee for the Home Occupation Permit is $47.50.
  • A home business does not require building and fire inspections.
  • As the Home Occupation Permit will require a signature from the property owner, property owner information must be included on your application.
  • The Home Occupation Permit will be issued after the Home Occupation Permit fee is paid.‍

Business License

All businesses will also need to apply for a Business License at the Finance Department when they apply for a Zoning Clearance and Occupancy Permit or Home Occupation Permit. You can apply for the Business license online. ‍The occupancy permit and business license fees will be invoiced together. The Business License will be issued by the Finance Department after the occupancy permit has been issued. For more information on the Business License process, please visit the Business License page or contact the Finance Department.

To apply for a Zoning Clearance and Occupancy Permit, Home Occupation Permit, or look up a property's Zone, please visit our new Permit Portal!

Permit Portal

For more information on how to use the Permit Portal, visit the How to Guide.

Starting a Business - Entity Types

Select a business entity type from the following online list for a brief overview of the principal types of legal business structures available in California. Private legal and tax advisors should be consulted before making a determination as to the type of business entity to form.

Factors to Consider When Starting a New Business

  • Determine if the space is adequate for current needs and foreseeable growth. Investigate traffic patterns; tour the building; find out who the previous tenant was and why they left. Evaluate the physical location and if the space is a good fit for your product line. Be realistic and don't over-commit.
  • Identify competitors - check out neighboring businesses for complementary products and/or services. Is there an established cluster economy?
  • Seek professional assistance - hire a real estate attorney who specializes in lease negotiations who understands your area and type of business.
  • Identify your responsibilities - determine if you will need to maintain the heating, air-conditioning, and other systems, as well as keep up the parking lot and building exterior.
  • Affordability - determine if the rent will be affordable.

Sign Up for Utility Services

Utilities Customer Services Center

The Utilities Customer Service Center is available to serve you when you need to establish or turn off your water service, make a payment, or arrange for a field inspection.

The Utilities Customer Service Center hours are Monday through Thursday, 7 am to noon. Afternoon appointments are available. Please call 625-570-5061 to schedule a meeting. The Center is closed on Fridays, holidays, and weekends. Free parking is available in the adjacent First Street parking structure.

New & Renewal of Existing Business Licenses

If you're a new business or a business that needs to renew a business license, please contact the Alhambra Finance Department at 626-570-5021 to find out how to apply for a business license. You can find more information on the Business License page as well.

Food & Beverage Permit & Alcohol Permit for New / Existing Food Establishments

If your business is a restaurant, you will be required to contact the Alcoholic Beverage Control and Los Angeles County Health Department, in addition to City approvals.

  • State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
    • Phone: 213-736-2005
  • Los Angeles County Health Department
    • Phone: 310-665-8450