Pursuant to Westminster Municipal Code Section 5.08,020, a license is required in order to conduct business in the City. Every business, unless specifically exempted by the State, pays an annual local business tax. Business license applications and information on the tax amounts may be obtained at the City Hall. Most business licenses can be issued the same day, however, additional approvals and documents may be required prior to issuance of a business license. A business license application may include an application for inspection, hazardous material disclosure for Orange County Fire Authority, emergency card, fictitious name statement, sellers permit from the State, Employer Identification Number when employing workers, proof of professional license, police permit, picture identification card and proof of residency.

Before starting a new business you need to verify the Zoning, Building and Business License requirements

Prior to issuance of a business license, Planning Division’s review and approval is required for the permitted uses and other zoning regulations such as parking requirements. A careful review of the uses allowed and other zoning requirements is very important before purchasing or leasing a property. Review of the City records and permits will provide assurances that a business is allowed in the zone and that there are no code violations on the property. Any changes to the use of the building, occupancy group changes, parking or landscaping modifications, new business signs, and changes to the exterior or interior of the buildings shall be submitted to the Planning and Building Divisions.

Seller's Permit: If you sell tangible personal property, you are required to obtain a Seller's Permit (Retail Sales Tax Number) from the State Board of Equilization (BOE) for the purpose of collecting and reporting sales tax to the State of California.  To obtain a Seller's Permit, contact the BOE at 1-800-400-7115.  The closest Board of Equalization district office is located at 16715 Von Karman Ave., Ste. 200, Irvine, Ca. 92606.  The telephone number is (949) 440-3473.
Click here to obtain a listing of local district offices www.boe.ca.gov/info/contact.htm.

For more information, contact a Business License Technician at (714) 548-3258