Business License

All persons or companies conducting business within the City limits of South Pasadena are required to obtain a city business license. This includes but is not limited to retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, service providers, professionals, non-profit organizations, independent contractors, home businesses and residential landlords renting three or more units. Please note: businesses based outside of the City of South Pasadena who are conducting business in the City (e.g. contractors, consultants, architects, designers, landscape maintenance companies, mobile food vendors) must also file an application. Please see the City's Business License Frequently Asked Questions(PDF, 140KB) for more information.

An application must be submitted and fees must be paid prior to commencement of business operations.

You may apply online using our website (links provided above) or by phone at (626) 360-1493. Once an application is submitted, it is reviewed and approved by various departments prior to issuance. Your license will be emailed to you once approved.

A variety of classifications and rates are set forth in the Business License Ordinance. A brief rate schedule of the most common classifications is available on the City's Master Schedule of Fees.

Please Note: The Fire Inspection Fee was updated during the Fee Study adopted in May 2019. It was updated from a flat fee to a fee based on square footage. While it may seem significant, it is in line with other cities. Our business license costs are very modest compared to other cities.

Most business licenses are valid for one year, and must be renewed annually. For annual business licenses, a renewal notice will be mailed to you the month prior to your license expiring.

It is unlawful for any person to transact and carry on any business without first having procured a license. Failure to comply with the ordinance may subject the violator to penalties and possible civil or criminal action.

Your Business License is valid only within the city limits of South Pasadena - while doing business from your commercial/professional location, your residence, or when you are providing services to a resident or business within the city limits.

You may close your business license online at southpasadena.hdlgov.com or by phone at (626) 360-1493.

Business Licenses are not transferable from one owner to another. The new owner must submit a new application.

Your business license is not a permit to operate and does not authorize you to operate a business that is otherwise prohibited by law or ordinance.

On January 1st 2024, Governor Newsom signed AB 783 (Ting) Single-User Restrooms into law. Section 118600 of the Health and Safety Code requires you to identify all single-user toilet facilities in your business as all-gender toilet facilities.

For more information please visit leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml.

The State of California wants to ensure that all people have equal access to public and private services. As the operator of a business, this mandate requires you to ensure that your business provides equal access to people with disabilities.

For more information please visit statebusinessnotices.hdlgov.com.