Starting a Business in Monterey Park

Starting a new business in Monterey Park is a simple two-step process:
(1) Submit and complete a Zoning Clearance Application for New Businesses online.
(2) Submit and complete a Business License Application online.

Failure to comply with any City regulation violates the Monterey Park Municipal Code, which may result in adverse action, including, without limitation, fines and/or penalties. All persons seeking to start a new business in the City of Monterey Park are strongly encouraged to speak with the Planning Department before beginning any new operations, including signing lease agreements.

Our Zoning Clearance Application for New Businesses process is designed to assist business owners with meeting all requirements to open and operate a new business in the City of Monterey Park. Completing the online application requires staff from various City Departments to contact you if additional or clarifying information is needed.

To begin, please click the link below and complete the Zoning Clearance Application for New Businesses Form.

ZONING CLEARANCE APPLICATION FOR NEW BUSINESSES FORM

Starting a Home Occupation Business

Home occupations are defined as businesses that operate out of the home and are restricted to office use only. Home-based businesses are regulated by the Monterey Park Municipal Code. For more information: Home Occupation Zoning Regulations (PDF)

To submit a Home Occupation application, please contact the Planning Division at (626) 307-1315 or planningpermitcounter@montereypark.ca.gov.

HOME OCCUPATION ONLINE PERMIT APPLICATION

Short-Term Rental Permits

All short-term rental operators are required to obtain a permit from the City annually and pay transient occupancy taxes (TOT). This includes homes or other units, such as a garage apartment or backyard cottage, listed for rent on Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, and similar websites.

A short-term rental means the use of a residential unit for its intended purpose for a tenancy of 30 or fewer consecutive calendar days for a fee. If your rental is rented for more than 30 days at a time but you are advertising your property as available to rent short-term (i.e. on a nightly basis), then you must still obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit.

Film Permits

Applications for film permits in the City of Monterey Park are administered by Film LA, Inc. (external site).
For information about FilmLA's permit process: Film Permit Application Information Sheet (PDF)

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BUSINESSES IN CALIFORNIA!

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) plays a crucial role in ensuring that all businesses in the state comply with tax laws and regulations. As a business owner, you must be aware of the functions of the CDTFA and understand your responsibilities to avoid potential legal and financial consequences.

The CDTFA is responsible for administering more than 30 different taxes and fees, including sales and use, fuel, and tobacco taxes. They also administer various regulatory programs, such as the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Tax.

To ensure compliance, the CDTFA conducts regular audits and investigations of businesses to verify that they are correctly reporting and remitting taxes and fees. Failure to comply with tax laws and regulations can result in significant penalties, fines, and criminal charges.

Therefore, all businesses in California must understand their tax obligations and stay up-to-date on tax laws and regulations changes. The CDTFA provides many resources, including publications, online courses, and one-on-one assistance to help businesses meet their tax obligations.

As a responsible business owner, you must comply with all tax laws and regulations and work with the CDTFA to ensure that you are doing so. Failure to comply harms your business and the community by depriving it of necessary tax revenue that funds critical public services.

For more information on the CDTFA and its services, please visit their website at www.cdtfa.ca.gov.

CalGold - The Gold Standard for Permit Assistance

As a part of our ongoing effort to support the growth and success of businesses in Monterey Park, we would like to inform you about a valuable resource available - the CalGold website (www.calgold.ca.gov).

CalGold is a one-stop online information source that provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on permits and licenses required by federal, state, and local government agencies for different types of businesses.

Using CalGold, you can save time and money by quickly finding the appropriate permits and licenses required for your business without searching for information across different websites and agencies. You can also find contact information for the relevant agencies to help you navigate the permitting process.

Whether starting a new business or looking to expand an existing one, CalGold can help you stay compliant with the law and avoid potential fines or penalties for non-compliance.

We encourage all business owners to take advantage of this valuable resource and visit www.calgold.ca.gov to find appropriate business permit information.

If you need further assistance with CDTFA, CalGold, or any permits mentioned above, please contact us at econdev@montereypark.ca.gov or by phone at (626) 307-1385 from Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm (PST).

Thank you for choosing Monterey Park to locate your business! We are honored that you have chosen to invest in our community and are thrilled to welcome you with open arms.