The Revenue Services Division is here to guide you through the process of starting and operating a business in the City of Hermosa Beach. Our staff assists applicants with completing business license applications, answers questions from existing license holders, and coordinates the review and issuance of business licenses.

Business licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

First-Year Business License Tax Waiver

The City waives first-year business license taxes for most new businesses. This waiver does not apply to bars and restaurants that serve alcohol and remain open after midnight

Apply for or Renew a Business License

The online application is the recommended method for applying for or renewing a business license. It is the fastest and most convenient option and allows you to submit your application and supporting documents electronically.

Online Application (Recommended)

Paper Application

If your business is located within the City of Hermosa Beach, you must also submit one of the following in addition to the business license application:

 Senate Bill 205 (Stormwater Compliance)

Certain businesses are subject to Senate Bill 205 (SB 205), which requires applicants to certify compliance with applicable stormwater regulations.

To determine whether SB 205 applies to your business:

If applicable, complete and submit the Business License Application Supplemental NPDES/SB 205 Form 

E-Mail: business_license@hermosabeach.gov; or

Mailing Address:

City of Hermosa Beach - Revenue Services 
1315 Valley Drive
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

For information about additional forms, permits, and requirements needed to start a business in Hermosa Beach, please visit the Opening a New Business.

Business License Regulations

To learn more about business license requirements, please review Chapter 5 of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code (HBMC).

 Ban on Certain Polystyrene and Single-Use Products

Ordinance 19-1398 prohibits certain polystyrene products, single-use plastic products, and other single-use items. Businesses subject to this ordinance must certify compliance as part of the annual business license renewal process. 

 Disability Access Requirements

In October 2017, Governor Brown signed AB 1379, which established a $4 state fee on each business license application and renewal. The fee supports educational resources and programs designed to help businesses comply with federal and state disability access laws.

All building owners and tenants with facilities open to the public are responsible for complying with disability access requirements.

Additional information is available from the following agencies:

The Disability Access Requirements and Resources notice (AB 3002 Business License and Building Permit Model Notice) is available at the California Department of General Services website. You may also download the notice in the language of your choice using the links below.

 Prevention of Gender-Based Discrimination

California law prohibits businesses from charging different prices for similar services based on gender.

The California Department of Consumer Affairs has prepared a guide titled Prevention of Gender-Based Discrimination: Business Establishments' Legal Obligations  Business owners are encouraged to review this guide to understand their responsibilities under California law.

The guide is also available in the languages below:

     ◦ Chinese - Simplified
     ◦ Chinese - Traditional
     ◦ Korean
     ◦ Spanish
     ◦ Tagalog
     ◦ Vietnamese