Contact Agoura Hills City Hall and make sure the zoning is correct for your new business address.

• Every business must meet zoning requirements and restrictions to insure that its business category and site are compatible. Before signing any leases or moving in, check with the City's Planning Division (818) 597-7328.
• A few businesses require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Conditional Use Permits are subject to Planning Commission approval or denial. To see a list of uses that require a Conditional Use Permit, you may consult the Municipal Code at Commercial Land Use Table or call the Planning Division for assistance.

File a fictitious name statement and file your "doing business as" name in a local newspaper.

• If you use your initials or first and middle name along with your last name in the name of your business, such as A.L. Jones Materials, or Albert L. Jones Materials, you do not need to file for a fictitious name. If you use just your initials, first name or last name such as ALJ Materials, Albert Materials, or Jones Materials, you need to file for a fictitious name. If you use Sons or Company, such as Al Jones and Company Materials, or Al Jones and Sons Materials, you must file for a fictitious name. If you use any other name other than your legal given name or initials, you must file a fictitious name.
• Prior to filing a fictitious name statement, it is recommended that you call the Los Angeles County Clerk's Office and determine if in fact your business name is already in use.
• To file a fictitious name statement, you must contact the local newspaper. The paper will file your DBA statement with the Los Angeles County Clerk's office and publish your new business name.

Obtain a State Board of Equalization resale permit, if required. Contact the State of California to file proper State Tax forms and obtain labor standards for employees.

• Many businesses are required to obtain a permit from the State Board of Equalization for "selling or acquiring any tangible items for repair or use in their business." You must have a resale permit if your business is commercial home-based, sales, or repair oriented. As a note - whatever parts or supplies are purchased at wholesale for later resale, you must have a resale permit.
• If your business will have employees other than yourself, contact the Employment Development Department for information on state withholding taxes, disability and unemployment insurance.
• For businesses employing only the owners, contact the Franchise Tax Board for state withholding and corporation state taxes.

• Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for your employer identification number. The IRS will also provide a "business person's kit," seminars for new businesses, additional information and required forms.
• Contact the Small Business Administration which provides financial and management training to assist you in your business operations.
• For a list of outside agencies’ contact information, please click here.

Business License

The purpose of a Business License is to ensure that a business establishment is operating in the correct zoning district and in accordance with applicable Municipal Codes. It is also used in conjunction with the issuance of building occupancy certificates and to help ensure that all contractors doing business in the City are State licensed.

The business registration process also helps the City to better understand our business community. The information obtained from business licenses will help make the city's planning, fire, public safety, and security assistance activities more responsive to your needs.

The Agoura Hills Municipal Code requires all individuals, partnerships, and corporations conducting or operating a business within the City to register annually with the City, regardless of whether such business is a fixed location within the City. In addition, certain businesses are required to obtain a certain verifications from various Departments of Los Angeles County. These include businesses which are regulated by the Fire, Health, and Sheriff Departments.

Category A business licenses fee is $69 per year, plus a $4.00 State fee which covers the costs associated with processing and administering the program.  Additional fees will apply for Category B and C business licenses.  All business licenses will be renewed annually.  Click here for a list of Category B and C business licenses and here for the applicable fees.

        A. Depending on the type of business you plan to conduct, you may be required to apply for and/or obtain outside agencies' approval as follows: 

                · A Conditional Use Permit
                · A California Alcoholic Beverage Control Department License
                · All necessary Building Permits
                · Contractor's License
                · Los Angeles County Fire Department Inspection
                · Los Angeles County Public Health Permit
                · California Massage Technician Certification

         B. When filing for a license, you will need the following information to complete the application process:

· Your business name and address
· Your business telephone number
· Description of your business
· The number of employees on staff excluding yourself as the owner
· The total square footage of the space your business occupies
· An emergency contact name and phone number in case of natural disasters 
· Proof of exemption from the required fees (non-profit status/veteran status)
· Your Federal I.D. number
· Your State employee I.D. number
· Your Driver's License number
. Proof of certification for the occupation associated with the business