Whether you're opening a storefront on Riviera Village, launching a home-based consulting practice, or setting up a food truck near the pier, you'll need a business license from the City of Redondo Beach. The process is straightforward, but it involves a few steps beyond just filling out an application. This guide walks you through the full sequence — from zoning clearance to opening day.
Step 1: Check your zoning first
Before you sign a lease or invest in a location, verify that your business type is allowed at that address. Every commercial property in Redondo Beach has a zoning designation that determines what kinds of businesses can operate there. A restaurant might be allowed in a C-2 zone but not a C-1 zone. A home-based business has its own set of restrictions.
Contact the Planning Division at (310) 318-0637 or email PlanningRedondo@redondo.org to confirm zoning compatibility. You can also check the city's interactive zoning map on redondo.org. This step is free and can save you thousands of dollars if a location turns out to be incompatible with your business.
Step 2: File your business name
If you're operating under a name other than your legal name, you'll need to file a Fictitious Business Name Statement (DBA) with the Los Angeles County Clerk's office. The county clerk can be reached at (213) 974-0093. You'll also need to publish the filing in a local newspaper — the Daily Breeze (310-540-5511) is a common choice. Check that your desired name isn't already in use before filing.
Step 3: Handle state and federal filings
Depending on your business type, you'll need various state and federal registrations before applying for your city license. If you're selling physical goods, you'll need a resale permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). If you have employees, contact the Employment Development Department (EDD) for withholding, disability, and unemployment insurance requirements. Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. And file the appropriate forms with the Franchise Tax Board for state taxes.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) and SCORE are both free resources that can help you navigate these filings. The city's Open a Business page on redondo.org also provides links to each of these agencies.
Step 4: Apply for your city business license
With your zoning cleared and state filings complete, you can now apply for a Redondo Beach business license through the Financial Services Department. You can apply online through the Munis Self-Service portal on the city's website, or in person at City Hall (415 Diamond Street, Door 1). Counter hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and alternating Fridays until 4:30 PM.
You'll need to provide your business name and address, a description of what you do, the number of employees, your fictitious name filing and state permits, the property owner's name and contact, your Social Security number or Federal ID, state employee ID, and driver's license. The license fee is calculated based on your business type and number of employees — the clerk will calculate the exact amount at the time of application.
For questions about the application, call the Business License line at (310) 318-0603 or email blmail@redondo.org.
Additional permits you may need
A business license alone may not be enough — depending on your business type, you may need additional permits from the city, county, or state. Food businesses need a health permit from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Businesses serving alcohol need a permit from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Contractors need a state contractor's license.
Within the city, you may also need a fire inspection from the Redondo Beach Fire Department, a building permit if you're doing any tenant improvements or construction (contact Building & Safety at 310-318-0636), and a sign permit if you're putting up exterior signage. The city's Planning Division handles sign permits as part of their zoning review.
Home-based businesses
Running a business from home in Redondo Beach is allowed, but it comes with restrictions. Home-based businesses (classified as “home occupations” in the zoning code) still require a business license. The key restrictions are designed to keep residential neighborhoods residential: you generally cannot have customers or clients visiting your home, you cannot have employees working at your residence, exterior signage is not allowed, and the business cannot generate noise, traffic, or other impacts that affect your neighbors.
If you're running an online business, a consulting practice where you visit clients, or a freelance operation, a home-based business license is typically straightforward. Contact the Planning Division first to confirm your specific business type qualifies as a home occupation.
Resources to help you get started
The city offers a Business Concierge Program through its Waterfront and Economic Development Department to help new businesses navigate the process. There's also a Storefront Improvement Program for businesses in the city's commercial corridors. These programs are designed to make it easier to open and grow a business in Redondo Beach.
Key contacts: Business Licenses at (310) 318-0603 or blmail@redondo.org. Planning Division at (310) 318-0637 or PlanningRedondo@redondo.org. Building & Safety at (310) 318-0636 or BuildingRedondo@redondo.org. Waterfront & Economic Development at (310) 318-0631 or waterfront@redondo.org. All offices are at 415 Diamond Street, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.