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1. Do I need a business license? How do I obtain one?

All businesses doing work within city limits, whether or not they have a physical address in the city, are required to have a business license, including out-of-city contractors and gardeners. Home-based businesses in Diamond Bar are also required to have a business license. Refer to the Business License page to download a business license packet, or contact the Planning Division for more information. 

Before applying for a business license or signing a lease, please verify that a location of interest is zoned appropriately for your proposed business. For instructions on how to find a property’s zoning designation, refer to Question 2 or contact the Planning Division. Certain businesses will require other approvals such as a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and/or background checks before a business license can be granted.

You may submit your business license application, along with payment, via mail, online, or in person by making an appointment with the Planning Division.

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.

2. What is the zoning designation of my property?

You can obtain or verify your property's zoning information online by visiting the City's interactive GIS map and searching by street address or by Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN).  You can also obtain zoning information by contacting the Planning Division by phone at (909) 839-7030 or emailing us at planning@diamondbarca.gov. A site address or APN will be needed for any of these options.

3. How do I find out what types of uses are allowed on a property?

After looking up the zoning, refer to the Land Use Table in Development Code Section 22.08.030 for residential properties and Development Code Section 22.10.030 for commercial, office and industrial properties. Uses listed with a “P” are permitted outright; uses listed with a “CUP” require approval of a conditional use permit; and a dash ( - ) means that the use is not permitted in that zoning designation. Contact the Planning Division for CUP application requirements.

4. What is a Conditional Use Permit (CUP)?

A CUP is a special permit that allows a business or property owner to engage in a certain type of land use, so long as it complies with specific conditions.  When reviewing a CUP, consideration is given to the location, design, configuration, operational characteristics and potential impacts to determine whether or not the proposed use will pose a detriment to the public health, safety and welfare.  All CUP requests require a public hearing before the Planning Commission, which has the authority to approve or deny such requests. When a CUP is approved, it runs with the land and all conditions placed on the CUP are binding on all successors in interest.

CUP Checklist

5. I would like to obtain a sign for my business/building. What are the requirements and what is the process to get approval?

Signs require Planning Division approval and may require a building permit.  Sign regulations are based on building types, such as stand-alone or multi-tenant buildings, and other locational criteria.  Refer to Development Code Section 22.36.130 for general sign standards.

Please contact the Planning Division to check if a Comprehensive Sign Program applies to your business or building, which may further regulate the size, location, colors, and materials of your signs.  You obtain additional information by calling or visiting the Planning Division, or by completing an online Planning inquiry form.

• Sign Review Checklist

6. I would like to put up a temporary sign at my business location. What are the requirements and process to get approval?

There are different types of temporary signs for businesses including special event, promotional/grand opening, and business identification prior to the installation of a permanent sign. Refer to Development Code Section 22.36.120(f) for temporary sign standards. 

Please submit a Uniform Application, a site plan or photograph of the proposed temporary sign location, and a sketch of the sign that includes enough detail to show the size, relationship, and location of the temporary sign in relation to the building. Photographs may be submitted in-lieu of the drawing. Please bring in the banner/sign to City Hall when applying to the Planning Division so that a validation sticker may be placed on it.

• TSP Checklist