Overview
Starting a new business in Sierra Madre requires several steps. A general check off list is provided below. The City is available to assist you through the process.
STARTING A NEW BUSINESS – GENERAL CHECK-OFF LIST
DONE? |
ITEM |
DEPARTMENT/DIVISION |
Y/N |
Zoning Clearance |
Development Services |
Y/N |
Business License |
Administrative Services – Business License |
Y/N |
Fire Clearance |
Fire Prevention |
Y/N |
Sign approval (if installing new or modifying existing sign or awning) |
Development Services |
Y/N |
Building Permit (for any exterior or interior modifications) |
Development Services - Building |
Planning – Zoning - Zoning Clearance – Commercial
Some business license applications are first reviewed by the Development Services Department to make certain that the desired business location is zoned for your particular type of business.
The Development Services Department will review all proposals for changes in business use, business ownership, building use or property use for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. The clearance is to verify that your business conforms to the zoning of the property.
If your business is a restaurant, please check with the Los Angeles County Sanitation District to see if you will be required to pay a sewer connection fee.
Conditional Use Permit
After you review your business plan with the Development Services Department, staff will inform you if your business requires a conditional use permit in order to operate in the location you desire. A conditional use permit is obtained through the Development Services Department by a public hearing with the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission meets once a month at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Once you submit the application with the Development Services Department, staff will circulate your business proposal and any schematic floor plans to all city departments for comments. Staff will then prepare a staff report with a recommendation for approval, approval with conditions or denial. A conditional use permit is specific to your business and location.
Sign and Awning Approval
Sign Permits
Apply to the Development Services Department for any new sign or any modification to an existing sign. The City of Sierra Madre regulates the number, area, location and design of signs in its commercial and industrial areas. Upon approval from the Development Services Department, you must apply to the Development Services Department for a building permit to install your sign.
Awnings
Apply to the Development Services Department for approval for any awning with or without signage.
The Development Services Department will review the style, color, placement and vertical clearance of the awning. Any lettering on the awning must meet the requirements of the Sign Ordinance. Upon approval from the Development Services Department you must apply to the Development Services Department for an installation permit. Awnings must also be fire resistant.
Business License (download the business license application here) PDF 395KB
Anyone doing business in the City must have a business license from the City of Sierra Madre. This includes businesses based in the City such as stores, industrial operations or home offices, as well as contractors and other businesses not located in the City. The key aspects of this process are as follows:
- Obtain a Business License from the Administrative Services Department – Business License Clerk. Yes, there is a business license fee which varies, depending on type of business, and number of employees.
- Licenses must be renewed annually (quarterly and one time job licenses also available).
- Completed applications must include the following:
- Business name and address
- Business owner’s name and address
- Emergency contact name and phone number
- Property owner’s signature
- Federal employer I.D. Number
- State license number
- Retail permit number
- Social security number
- Number of employees, apartments (depending on the business typ
For further information about the business license requirements and fees, contact the Business License Clerk at 355-7135.
Anyone doing business in the City must have a business license from the City of Sierra Madre. This includes businesses based in the City such as stores, industrial operations or home offices, as well as contractors and other businesses not located in the City. The key aspects of this process are as follows:
Obtain a Business License from the Administrative Services Department – Business License Clerk.
Yes, there is a business license fee which varies, depending on type of business, and number of employees.
Licenses must be renewed annually (quarterly and one time job licenses also available).
Completed applications must include the following:
Business name and address
Business owner’s name and address
Emergency contact name and phone number
Property owner’s signature
Federal employer I.D. Number
State license number
Retail permit number
Social security number
Number of employees, apartments (depending on the business type).
For further information about the business license requirements and fees, contact the Business License Clerk at 355-7135.
Fire Safety
FIRE INSPECTION PROGRAM
Your business will be inspected prior to occupancy and annually thereafter.
If required, a completed hazardous material inventory information package must be submitted to the Los Angeles County Fire Department via the Sierra Madre Fire Prevention Bureau prior to occupancy.
The purpose of the program is as follows:
It is the desire of the Fire Department to locate possible fire hazards and have them corrected voluntarily by the responsible property or business owner. We work closely with the business and property owners and provide information and support when requested.
The fire prevention inspection program provides the citizens of Sierra Madre with a safe and desirable place to live and conduct business. The goal of fire prevention is to significantly reduce the threat of fire and to minimize loss of life and property when fire occurs.
Building Permit Requirements
A permit is required when you physically change your property. For example, when you add bathrooms, modify the electrical, construct load bearing walls, add additional floor area, add a mezzanine or alter your building exiting. In legal terms, no building or structure shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a permit has first been obtained from the Development Services Department. The best thing to do before starting any project is to call the Development Services Department.
In addition, Development Services Department approval is needed if you will be changing the following:
Adding offices, any exterior alterations, adding additional square footage;
Adding mechanical systems to the roof or exterior (i.e. air conditioning – heating systems).
Plan Checking- Why Does Plan Checking Take Time?
We are as anxious as you are to get your plans returned to you in a timely manner.
It is easier to do an adequate plan check if the plans and specifications are adequate, mainly because it is a matter of finding the answer in those plans and specifications to verify the Uniform Building Code, plumbing, mechanical and electrical code compliance.
A great deal of time delay is caused by the inadequacy of the submittals. To help keep the review/approval time to a minimum, be sure your plans are clear, and accurate.
Development Services Department Check-Off List
Receive preliminary approval from the Development Services Department.
Apply for building permit and submit plans to the Development Services Department for a building permit. The Development Services Department will check your plans for compliance with the Uniform Building code and other codes and circulate to other departments for their review and comments.
The Fire Prevention will review your plans to ensure compliance with state and local fire codes.
The Development Services Department will check your plans to ensure they are in compliance with all zoning regulations.
The Public Works Department may review your plans if you propose to do work in the public right-of-way (i.e. driveway, sidewalk).
If you will be doing any work that involves commercial food preparation (restaurant), submit plans and receive approval from the County Health Department and the County Sanitation District.
Begin work upon issuance of a building permit.
After inspection, Development Services Department signs-off on the final building permit.
Miscellaneous
PASADENA/ARCADIA SCHOOL DISTRICT IMPACT FEE – A school fee, based on new building square footage, is paid to either the Pasadena or Arcadia Unified School District.
TITLE 24 – HANDICAPPED ACCESS – Handicapped access improvements will be required with a change of use or building improvements. Check with the Development Services Department for compliance requirements.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT FEE – New restaurants must pay a sewer connection fee to the County. Please contact the County Sanitation District at (562) 699-7411 (Whittier Office).
COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT –For new restaurants all kitchen equipment must be approved by the Los Angeles County Health Department. Please contact the Health Department at (626) 813-3380 (West Covina Office).
GREASE INTERCEPTORS – All new restaurants are required to have general interceptors appropriately sized and maintained so that the sewers are kept free of grease.
Directory
Community Development Department (626) 355-7135
Fire Department (626) 355-7135
Fire Marshal ext. 651
Fire Inspector ext. 652
Public Works Department (626) 355-7135
Police Department (626) 355-1414