Licenses, Permits, & Inspections

Register your business and get a Business Tax Certificate. You can also pay and renew business taxes and permits.

Business owners often work with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) to get building permits and inspections. LADBS staff provides guidance on how to follow rules for building, zoning, plumbing, electrical work, and more so projects are safe and done right.

The Los Angeles Department of Public Works takes care of streets, sidewalks, trees, streetlights, and trash services. It also handles recycling, sewage, city job contracts, and makes sure the city’s minimum wage rules are followed.

Request job inspections, apply for business certificates, and look up local certified businesses or approved subcontractors.

The Department of City Planning helps business owners follow zoning rules in Los Angeles. They also issue Conditional Use Permits for Alcohol.

The Los Angeles Fire Department checks fire safety plans and inspects buildings to make sure they follow fire and building codes for new buildings and remodels.

The Department of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) runs the cannabis licensing program in Los Angeles. DCR reviews license applications, makes decisions or suggestions to the Cannabis Regulation Commission, and checks that licensed cannabis businesses follow the rules.

If you want to film outside of a soundstage or studio lot, you need a permit from the city, county, or other local office. FilmLA helps with getting these permits and makes sure filming follows the rules across different areas.