Business License Services

Apply, renew, pay, or search a business license.

Establishing a Business

Permits for Businesses

Film permits, Home Occupation Permits, Solicitor's Permits, and Vending Permits.

New Business List

Business Permit and License Review Board

Yard Sale Permit


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.

NEW ONLINE BUSINESS LICENSE SOFTWARE SYSTEM

On Monday, February 2, 2026 Arcadia Business License Division will transition to a new software system. All new business license applications, renewals, and payments will now be processed online through Arcadia EDGE – the City’s e-permit and plan review portal. Business license holders will be required to create a new account and re-enter their business information in Arcadia EDGE. For more information, see the notification letter below: 

 
Letter to Arcadia Business Owners 

Click on the following button to apply for a business license online: 
Apply, Renew, Pay, or Search a Business License
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

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.

Most businesses are required to pay a business license tax/fee. The business license/tax fee is a flat rate and varies depending on the business type. A business license is valid for 12 months commencing on the first day of the month during which the license is issued and terminating on the last day of the twelfth month. Licenses applied for after starting a business are subject to a late payment processing charge. View Business License Fees.

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.

Sample Business License Certificate
Sample Business License

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. Contact the Business License Office at (626) 574-5430 or email BL@ArcadiaCA.gov. 

If your business intends to relocate within the City, please contact the Business License Office at (626) 574-5430 or email BL@ArcadiaCA.gov. 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.