Zoning approval is required for your business address if:

• Your business is the first business to occupy the location.
• Your business is different from what was previously licensed at the location (for example: changing from a doctor’s office to a retail store)
• The business location has been vacant for over 90 days.

Please contact the Business License Division, who will route your information to the Planning, Building, Environmental and Fire Prevention divisions for approval.  The routing process takes approximately ten (10) days for review and approval.  Once approved, the applicant can complete the business license application and pay the fees to obtain the business license.  If the location is denied by one of the divisions the applicant will be notified by that division of what requirements are needed to obtain approval.

Certain businesses such as any business serving alcohol, massage establishments, second hand dealers and used automobile dealers require approval from the City’s License Review Board before the business license can be obtained. A complete listing of the types of businesses that require the License Review Board’s approval can be found in section 31.7.3 of the Torrance Municipal Code. The business license applicant must appear before the Board to obtain the Board’s approval before the business license can be issued. The License Review Board meets monthly on the first and third Thursdays at 10:00 AM.

A Fire Inspection Fee is assessed to all new businesses licensing from a fixed place, and currently licensed places of business that relocate in the City. The fee is paid by each business at each location and subsequent annual inspections are an additional cost. The Fire Department will inspect the building construction versus the type of occupancy to ensure no hazardous process or operation is being conducted.

State of California Alcoholic Beverage License
If your business will be selling any type of alcoholic beverages you must first obtain an Alcoholic Business License from the State Alcoholic Beverage Control. 

State of California Sales Tax Number
If your business requires a State Sales Tax Number, you must obtain this number from the State Board of Equalization before you can license. The State Board of Equalization is located at 5901 Green Valley Circle, Suite 200, Culver City and their phone number is (310) 342-1000.

Los Angeles County Fictitious Name Statement 
Fictitious Name Statements (DBA-doing business as) are filed with the Los Angeles County Clerk. Local Newspapers also have the necessary forms and will handle the filing for you.