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1. What are business license requirements?

All individuals and businesses doing work within city limits, whether or not they have a physical structure in the city, are required to have a business license. This includes contractors, Internet and home-based businesses. Applications and renewals are processed online at City Hall. Fees are determined at the time of application submission. Contact the Planning Division at 909-839-7030.

2. Do I need a business license, and how do I obtain one?

All individuals and businesses doing work within city limits, whether or not they have a physical structure in the city, are required to have a business license. This includes contractors, internet and home-based businesses. Refer to the Business License webpage to download the business license packet or contact the Planning Division for more information by calling (909) 839-7030 or emailing planning@diamondbarca.gov. 

You may mail in the application along with a check to the address noted on the application, submit online through the Planning Inquiry form, or make an appointment with the Planning Division at www.diamondbarca.gov/appointment..

Once an application is received, a staff member will contact you if additional information is required; otherwise, the business license certificate and receipt will be sent to the email address provided on the application. Please allow a few days for processing.

3. What are the fees?

The basic business license fee is $14 per year. Licenses requiring a one-time zoning clearance (PDF) are $77.91, and an additional fee of $320 per individual requiring a background check. All fees are due when the application(s) are submitted, and are non-refundable and non-transferable. Businesses that require background checks include: acupressure and massage establishments, alarm companies, and sales of alcoholic beverages for offsite consumption.

4. How long does it take to process?

Once you have provided your completed application with appropriate payment, it takes an average of 5 working days to process and issue a basic business license, and may take up to 30 days for those requiring a zoning clearance. Licenses requiring background check(s), the process may take up to 90 days. If for any reason your application is not approved, you will be notified within these time frames.

5. Do I need additional permits or approvals?

Applications may need to be reviewed by other departments and government agencies including, but not limited to:

• Building and Safety
• Fire
• Health
• Planning
• Sheriff

You will be notified if additional permits, approvals, or fees are required.

6. Where do I file a Fictitious Business Statement?

This may be filed with any local newspaper, such as the Daily Bulletin, Highlander or San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

7. Do I need a new license if my business changes its location, ownership, or name?

Yes. Licenses are not transferable. Relocation, expansion, change in owner, change in name, change in type of business, all require a new business license application and fee(s).

8. When do I need to renew my license?

Business licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Any person who fails to renew their license on or before the renewal date shall be deemed to be operating without a license, and will be subject to delinquent fees that double each thirty-day period. Renewal fees are $14 for basic licenses. Additional fees may apply for those applications requiring substantial changes and/or background check.

9. Who do I call for business closure notification?

It is the business owner’s responsibility to notify the Planning Division if you have closed your business. Your account will remain active until notification is received and you will be responsible for all accrued penalties.

10. What do I need to open a massage establishment in the city?

In order to operate, maintain, or work in a massage establishment within Diamond, individuals must possess a current California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) certificate and CAMTC-issued identification card. Copies of both the certificate/renewal and ID card must be submitted to the City when applying for a massage establishment business license. A background investigation will be conducted as part of the application process. Additional information, including permit requirements and restrictions as well as requirements for the operation and maintenance of the massage establishment premises and equipment can be found on Sec. 5.08.070 of the Diamond Bar Municipal Code.