SUCCESSOR AGENCY (ABX1 26)
FAQ

Development Services



Building Permits FAQ's


  • What is the Building Division?
The Building Division enforces, adopts codes and other applicable laws and ordinances for construction, designs, alterations, moving, demolitions, repairs, and use of any building or structure within the City of Lynwood. The Division also performs plan check, issues building permits and performs site inspections to ensure compliance with pertinent codes, laws and city ordinances.
  • What is a permit and why do I need one?
 A permit is a granting of permission to perform regulated activity. Permits are the way the City of Lynwood regulates construction. This is designed to ensure that all construction in the city is completed in a manner consistent with applicable codes.

The safety of the occupants in buildings is the primary reason for having construction codes. Obtaining a permit is the first step in the process. In this step, you may need to create plans to submit to the Building&Safety Division for plan check. Once plans are approved, you are required to build the project according to those plans. If any changes are made to the plans, they must be made with the City’s approval. The second half of the process is the inspection and final approval of the work.
  • How do I get a building permit?
 After construction plans are completed,   submit the plans for plan check at the Building&Safety Division at City Hall. Often, small projects can be approved over-the-counter; larger projects may require more time to allow for review by various City departments. Usually, replacement roofs, doors or windows, air conditioners or heaters can be approved over-the-counter.
  • How long is a permit good for?
 A building permit is valid for 180 days after it is issued. In addition, the Building Official may grant a 180 day extension. In most cases, a permit will not expire unless the applicant has failed to call for an inspection and show progress on the project for a 180 day period. Once a permit has expired, you are required to pay a renewal fee and complete the inspection process.
  • Can I do the work myself or do I have to hire a contractor?
You can do the work yourself, but you must follow certain regulations. Among them are the following:

Workers’ Compensation:

If you will be hiring anyone, you may have to purchase Workers’ Compensation Insurance, which is available from a variety of agencies. If you won’t be hiring anyone, we’ll ask you to sign an “Owner-Builder Statement” to this effect. We can’t issue you a permit without either insurance or the complete Owner-Builder Statement.

Build to the Plans:

Be sure to follow your approved plans, whether they are drawn by an architect or designer or are standard construction requirements given to you by the City. If you change the plans while building the structure, this will cause problems when the project is inspected. If you decide to make changes, check with the City first.

  • When do I have to pay school fees?
If you are building a residential addition of 500 sq. ft. or more or building any commercial project you are required to pay an additional fee to the Lynwood Unified School District.
  • What about inspections?
It is your responsibility to call us for inspections at specific times during construction. You may have your contractor make the call, but it is still your responsibility as the property owner, to make sure the inspections are conducted. Inspections are conducted during certain points in the project, depending on the work that’s being performed. The project is not complete for legal purposes until it has passed the final inspection.
  • What is a Pre-Sale Inspection or   Real Property Report?
 Prior to entering into an “Agreement of Sale” of residential property, the owner or authorized representative is required to complete and submit an application to the City of Lynwood for a Real Property Report (Pre-Sale Inspection) per LMC 11-17.3. The intent of the report is to inform the prospective buyers of any existing code violations and/or illegal additions.


Business License FAQ's


Welcome to the City of Lynwood.  We are pleased that you chose Lynwood as your place of business or as a place to do business.  The following Business License FAQ’s is to answer commonly or frequently asked questions in order to open a business in Lynwood and/or do business in Lynwood. It does not contain a comprehensive source on business licensing. Therefore, if you have any questions, please contact Business License Division at 310-603-0220, ext. 289 or email us at rmanibusan@lynwood.ca.us.  Office hours are from 7:00am – 6:00pm Monday thru Thursday.

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  • What is a business license?

The Lynwood Municipal Code requires you to obtain a license when you conduct any business activity within Lynwood even if your business is located outside the city limits or have a business license from another city.  The “Business License&Certificate of Fire Clearance” is evidence that the City of Lynwood has granted you a license to engage in the business, profession, occupation, or trade within the Lynwood city limits.

  • Who needs a business license? 

Any individual, corporation or sole proprietor who wishes to conduct a business within the City of Lynwood must secure a business license. Lynwood Municipal Code states that “it shall be unlawful for any person to commence or carry one any business, trade, profession, or occupation within the City without first having procured a license from the City and without complying with all applicable provisions of this chapter.”  (LMC 4-6.1)

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  • How do I apply for a Business License?

First place to start is to contact the Business License Division at 310-603-0220, ext. 435 or email us at rmanibusan@lynwood.ca.us before you sign a lease or apply for a business license to confirm zoning requirements.   Forms to fill out are available at the City’s website www.lynwood.ca.us by clicking on Development Services, then click to Business License/Permits. To start the process, you will need to do the following:

  1. Complete a “Preliminary Zoning Approval Form” to find out if your business meets zoning requirements.
  2. Complete a “Business License Application” and pay a $30 filing fee payable to the “City of Lynwood.” The fee may change from time to time.  Please check on the most updated City’s Master Fee Schedule to confirm all appropriate fees. The forms are available on-line and are available at the Business License Office. 

    Preliminary Zoning Approval Form  (pdf)
    Business License Application (pdf)
    Property Owner Affidavit (pdf)

  3. We will review your application and inform you of the various City, County or State agencies the City typically requires to review and approve your application. If your application is approved, we will provide you with the final business license fees that you need to pay and if any, final conditions that you need to meet in order to receive your Business License.
  4. Once payment is received, final list of conditions is met and application is approved we will issue the Business License.

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  • I work as a consultant, doctor or professional; do I need to obtain a business license?

Yes.  The Lynwood Municipal Code requires that any individual, corporation or sole proprietor who wishes to conduct business within the City limits must obtain a business license. Complete a “Professional/Consultant Business License Application” and if your business will be physically located in Lynwood complete a Preliminary Zoning Application. A $30 filing fee must accompany your application. This fee may change from time to time. Please check on the most updated City’s Master Fee Schedule to confirm all appropriate fees.

Professional/ Consultant Business License Application (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions on Professional and Consultant Business (PDF)

  • Who needs a commercial building business license?

Every person who rents or leases, or offers to rent or lease, land, buildings or structures of any kind whatsoever, or portions thereof, for office, commercial, manufacturing, and other non residential purposes shall pay a license fee to by paid by the licensee, lessee, or lessees.  You need to complete a “Commercial Building(s) Business License Application” and if your business will be physically located in Lynwood complete a Preliminary Zoning Application. A $30 filing fee must accompany your application. This fee may change from time to time. Please check on the most updated City’s Master Fee Schedule to confirm all appropriate fees. (LMC 4-7.9l)

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Commercial Building(s) Business License Application (PDF)
Preliminary Zoning Approval Form (PDF)

  • Do I need a license to have coin operated devices in my business location?

Yes. City requires any person furnishing, owning or having control over any coin operated machine which is placed for public use shall obtain a license.  Contact Business License Division at 310-603-0220, ext. 435 for more information and the required fees. (LMC 4-6.9)

Vending Machines/ Coin-Operated/Video Games (PDF)

  • How much does a license cost?

A license fee is based on several factors including, but not all, type of business, size of operation, gross receipts, number of units, number of partners, and/or number of employees. In order to determine the correct fees for your business, please contact the Business License Division at 310-603-0220.


If your business is located within the city limits of Lynwood, the City also imposes an additional license charge called Parking and Business Improvement District fee equal to 50% of the business license fee for businesses located in Lynwood and a fire clearance fee.

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  • When do I need a business license?

If you are operating any type of business inside the city limits of Lynwood or performing work or service inside the city limits, then a business license is required prior to operation. Under certain circumstances, we can also issue a temporary business license.

  • Can I transfer my business license?

A business license is not transferable.  The Business License Certificate is terminated when the business ownership changes.  Please call Business License Division should you need to relocate or terminate your business.

Owner's Request to Cancel a Busines License (PDF)

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  • My business has moved to another location, what do I need to do?

Any business license issued may be amended to authorize the continuance of the same business at a new location to which the business is to be relocated, subject to obtaining a certificate of occupancy, as provided for in the Building Code, for the new location. Please call Business License Division to process this request. (LMC 4-6.21)

  • How long is a license good for?

A business license is valid for 1 year from January 1st to December 31st. You must renew your license in advance by January 1st. If payment is not received by February 15th, your license becomes delinquent and subject to a 10% penalty each month until the total penalty reaches 50%.

  • How do I renew my business license?

Once the City has issued you a business license, a courtesy renewal notice will be automatically mailed to you before the expiration date. If you do not receive a renewal notice at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your business license, please contact Business License Division. It is the business owner’s responsibility to have a current business license, not receiving a renewal notice does not relieve you from this responsibility. 

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  • What if I refuse to purchase a license?

According to the Lynwood Municipal Code Section 4-6.1, it is unlawful for any person to commence or carry on any business, trade, profession, or occupation within the City of Lynwood without first having obtained a license from the City and without complying with all applicable provision of Chapter 4 of the Lynwood Municipal Code. Refusal to purchase a license may subject you to additional fines and penalties, citations, civil action, stop work order or criminal prosecution.

  • How long will it take to process my license?

Depending upon the type of business, issuance of a business license certificate may take anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks due to inspection requirements from the City’s Planning Division, City’s Building and Safety Division, Los Angeles County Fire Department and Los Angeles County Health Department.

  • Are there any other licenses or permits required?

There are many County, State or Federal agencies that regulate businesses.  Depending on the type of business you plan to operate you may need to obtain a license or permit, or register from one or more following:

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State Board of Equalization (Seller’s Permit or Use Tax Account)
12440 E. Imperial Hwy.
Ste. 200
Norwalk, CA  90650
(562) 466-1694
(800) 400-7115
http://www.boe.ca.gov/index.htm
http://www.boe.ca.gov/info/reg.htm

California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (Alcoholic Beverage License)
3950 Paramount Blvd.
Suite 250
Lakewood, CA 90712
(562)982-1337
http://www.abc.ca.gov/permits/permits.html

County of Los Angeles Public Health (Food Related)
Environmental Health
5850 S. Main St. #2257
Los Angeles, CA  90003
(323) 235-7009
http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh

Secretary of State (Corporation, Company or Partnership Filings)
300 South Spring Street, Room 12513
Los Angeles, CA
(213) 897-3062
http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/regional.htm

Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (Fictitious Business Names)
12400 Imperial Highway, 2nd Floor, Room 2001
Norwalk, CA  90650
(562) 462-2177
http://www.lavote.net/clerk/Business_Name.cfm

Employment Development Department (Employer Requirements)
Santa Fe Springs Employment Tax Office
10330 Pioneer Blvd., Suite 150
Santa FE Springs, CA  90670
(888) 745-3886
http://www.edd.ca.gov/Payroll_Taxes/Am_I_Required_to_Register_as_an_Employer.htm

IRS (Employer ID Numbers)
300 N. Los Angeles St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 576-3009
(800) 829-4933
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=97860,00.html

State of California Franchise Tax Board (State Income Tax)
(800) 852-5711
(916) 845-7033
http://www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/faq/beFilingAssist.shtml

California Department of Social Services (Family Child Care Home License)
Los Angeles East Office
1000 Corporate Center Dr. #200-B
Monterey Park, CA 91754
(323) 981-3350
http://ccld.ca.gov/PG487.htm

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  • Can I apply over the Internet?

Sorry, not at this time. You may apply in person or apply by mail.  You may visit us at City of Lynwood, Business License Division, 11330 Bullis Road, Lynwood, CA 90262.  You can download an application and fill it out on line, however, the application needs to be printed and submitted in person or mailed along with the application filing fee.

  • Can I operate a business in my home?

Yes. Residential property owner or resident has a limited right to conduct a nonobtrusive business from his/her residence, and that the average neighbor will generally prefer to have  that business conducted in such a fashion that he/she is unaware of its existence. (LMC 25-95-1) Call Business License for fees and obtaining a permit.

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Home Occupation License (PDF)

  • Which types of business require a Sheriff’s background check and/or investigation of applicant?

Below is a partial list of businesses requiring a background check and/or investigation of applicant:

Adult Book                            Stores Pawn Shop
Arcades                                Pool rooms
Amusement Devices              Private Property/Impounds
Bars&Lounges                     Sexually Oriented Stores
Billiard Parlors                       Security Guard
Bingo Permits                        Special Evnts
Catering Truck                       Tattoo Parlors
Dating or Escort Services        Thrift Store/Used Appliances
Junk/Metal/Auto Salvage         Tow Trucks
Massage/Acupressure             Taxi Drivers
Palm Reading                         Weapons-Related Business

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  • Who do I contact or see for additional information?

City of Lynwood
Business License Division
11330 Bullis Road
Lynwood, CA  90262
(310) 603-0220, ext. 289

Rita Manibusan, Development Services Manager
rmanibusan@lynwood.ca.us

Regulations


For more information on requirements and regulations on businesses please visit the following sites: