The City of Arcadia is an ideal place to conduct business because of its exciting market opportunities and diverse affluent community. Every business that operates within the City must obtain a business license and comply with all provisions of the Arcadia Municipal Code. Only businesses specifically exempted by State or Federal statute are not required to obtain a Business License.
See below for more information and instructions, or click on the following icon to apply for a business license online.
For additional information and/or questions please call the Business License Division at (626) 574-5430 or email: BL@ArcadiaCA.gov.
BUSINESS LICENSE CODE UPDATE
The Development Services Department is proposing to amend the Arcadia Municipal Code related to the City’s Businesses, Professions, Trades, and Occupations Code (referred to as the “Business License Code.”). The Business License Code has been updated in a piecemeal fashion throughout the years, and this is the first comprehensive update in decades. The proposed amendments aim to modernize the Code, improve clarity and consistency, and ensure it aligns with current business practices and regulatory requirements.
Business License Review Board Public Hearing, December 9, 2025
The Business License public counter will be closed for staff training from
Monday, January 26 through Friday, January 30.
We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience.
You may renew your license or apply for a new license at Arcadia.hdlgov.com.
The Business License Division is open to the public during our regular business hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and alternate Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Attention Business Owners:
Effective January 1, 2024, Assembly Bill AB 783 requires that all businesses with a single-user toilet shall be identified as an all-gender restroom. Signage must be displayed to be in full compliance with State law, which can be viewed at: Assembly Bill No. 783.
Effective January 1, 2024, Senate Bill 748 requires that all businesses be notified that the business may be subject to liability for failure to meet the legal obligation to comply with state and federal disability access laws, and information on how to obtain a CASp inspection. Document can be viewed at: Senate Bill No. 748.
Online: Select the above icon to apply for a business license online or to renew an existing business license.
- Download: Business License Application and a Business License City Review and Approval Application for businesses located with the City's limits and return in person or through the mail.
- In person: Application forms may be obtained from:
Business License Office
Arcadia City Hall
240 West Huntington Drive
Arcadia, CA 91007
- By Mail: You can request a business license application by writing to:
Business License Office
Post Office Box 60021
Arcadia, CA 91066-6021
All portions of the license application pertaining to your business should be completed. It is important to state whether your business is owned solely by you, or whether it is a partnership, corporation or other form of ownership.
In addition to an application for a business license, all businesses located within the City of Arcadia (except those having a Home Occupation Permit) are required to have the approval of the Planning Services Division for the proposed business location and must complete and submit the Business License City Review and Approval Application along with a Business License Application Operating a home based business is permitted in the City as long as certain standards are met. Visit the Home Occupation Permit) page for more information.
Business licenses expire 12 months after payment. There is a 30 day grace period following the expiration date in which you can renew your license without a penalty. If you pay 31-60 days after the expiration you will be charged a 20% penalty; if you pay 61-90 days after expiration you will be charged a 60% penalty; and if you are 91 days or more late you will be charged a 100% penalty.
Business License Online Renewal
As a courtesy, business license renewal applications are mailed to each registered business in the City approximately one month prior to expiration. However, there is no obligation for the City to advise you that your license must be renewed. It is the responsibility of each business to keep its business license current. If you do not receive a renewal application, contact the Business License Office at (626) 574-5430.
All business license certificates must be displayed on the premises. For businesses not having a fixed address within the City, (i.e., contractor, gardeners, etc.) the business license must be in possession of the business operator while engaging in business in the City and must be made available upon request by any police officer or City staff.
If you no longer operate your business in the City or your business has closed, please advise the Business License Office immediately. Failure to inform the Business License Office will result in your business license remaining active and accumulating annual fees and penalties. You may close your Business License online.
If your business intends to relocate within the City, complete the Business License City Review and Approval Application and indicate on the form that this is for a change of address. There is a $36.30 fee for this transaction.
Business licenses are not transferrable; therefore, if there is a change of ownership, you must terminate your business license and have the new business owner apply for a new business license.
Instructions for viewing the List of New Businesses online.
1. Click on "List of New Businesses" below. This will redirect you to Laserfiche.2. In the "Repository" field, click the drop-down arrow.
3. Try each of the four "City of Arcadia" options until you find the one with the User Name: Weblink-Public. When you select the correct one, the Password field will autofill automatically.
4. Click the blue "Sign In" button.
5. After signing in, you will see the List of New Businesses organized by year.
Click here to view a List of New Businesses that have obtained a City of Arcadia Business License.
