Frequently Asked Questions

Before starting your business, contact the Planning Division to verify that your business is permitted at your desired location. You should do this before you sign any lease or spend money on a property. A quick review of the zoning requirements is a critical first step that can save you a lot of time and money.

You can reach the Planning Division staff at 562-383-4100. For additional resources on starting your business, you can also visit the La Habra Chamber of Commerce.

Yes, some businesses need a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). This type of permit is required for businesses that may have a greater impact on their surrounding area, such as those with increased traffic, noise, or large numbers of people.

Businesses that commonly require a CUP include:

• Restaurants

• Gyms, dance studios, or karate studios

• Shops that sell alcohol

• Car dealerships and repair services

• Outdoor businesses

Additionally, if you plan to make major renovations to a commercial building, you may need a Design Review approval.

To find out if your business requires a special permit, please contact the Planning Division staff at 562-383-4100.

You should first determine what permits, if any, are needed for your business. Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) are required for businesses that may have a greater impact on the surrounding area.

To find out if your business requires a CUP:

1. Determine your property's land use zone. You can get this information from the Planning Division.

2. Consult the Land Use Matrix in the city's Zoning Code. This document will show you if your business is permitted "by right," requires a CUP, or is not allowed at all.

What if my business isn't listed?

• If your business isn't in the matrix, you'll need to contact the Planning Division for a determination.

• For interior building improvements, contact the Building & Safety Division to see if you need permits.

• For exterior improvements, check with the Planning Division to ensure the changes don't violate the Zoning Code.

It is highly recommended that you do not sign a lease until you have confirmed with the city that your business is permitted on the property.

Securing a CUP approval is an important first step. By doing so, you are fulfilling the City’s land use and zoning requirements, but you may also need to check with other city departments/agencies before commencing business operations.

Please anticipate having to do the following:

• Obtain a business license approval from the City.
• Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the City’s Building and Safety Division. In order to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy, you may need to first submit an interior tenant improvement plan to Building and Safety. To contact Building and Safety, you can call 562-383-4116 or visit the City’s website at: www.lahabraca.gov/205/Building-Safety
• Obtain all required approval(s) from other outside agencies (i.e. LA County Fire, Orange County Public Health, Cal Trans, etc.)
• Obtain clearances from all City departments that you have successfully complied with all of your required CUP conditions of approval. Compliance is typically demonstrated by providing written documentation and/or scheduling an inspection. Contact your case planner by calling 562-383-4100 if you have questions regarding any CUP conditions.

Yes, it is expected that each new business location provides the minimum number of on-site parking spaces required for each business operation. Your business operation may not be approved if you are unable to comply with the City’s minimum parking requirements.

To view the City’s parking requirements, go to:

City of La Habra, CA OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS

If you are locating within a multi-tenant building and/or shopping center, staff will need to calculate and review the required parking for each land use. If your business location is under parked, you may want to see if shared parking opportunities are available through a parking/reciprocal access agreement with another property owner. Also consider if you are able to apply for a Conditional Use Permit in order to allow for a parking reduction. If you would like to request a parking reduction, you may be asked to provide a parking study prepared by a licensed Traffic Engineer. To view the City’s Parking Impact Study Guidelines, go to:

https://lahabraca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15555/City-of-La-Habra---Parking-Impact-Study-Guidelines

Yes, you can hold an outdoor event, but you must first get a Special Event Permit. These permits are granted up to four times per year and are categorized as either "small" or "large" events.

• Small Special Events: These events, such as grand openings or holiday sales, can last for up to four consecutive days. The permit application must be submitted to the Planning Division at least 30-45 days before the event.

• Large Special Events: Events like car shows, street fairs, or food festivals require an application to be submitted at least 90 days in advance. These types of events also need to be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission.

Applications for both small and large events can be found on the Planning Division's webpage or at the front counter. You can submit your application through the City's online portal.

If you have any questions, please contact the Planning Division staff.

Your business will likely need a grease interceptor if it handles or cooks food. These devices are required to prevent grease from entering the sewer system, where it can cause significant blockages.

The type of grease interceptor you need depends on how much grease your business is expected to produce.

To find out the specific requirements for your business, you should contact the Water Division within the Public Works Department at 562-383-4170.

In the City of La Habra, every business is required to have a valid business license to operate legally. The only exceptions are businesses specifically exempted by the State of California.

You can obtain a business license application and pay the required fees through the Business License Division.

For more information, contact the Business License Division at 562-383-4050.

Yes, you may need city approval, depending on the type of changes you plan to make.

• For interior improvements: If you are making any alterations, such as adding or removing walls, or changing the electrical or plumbing systems, you will need to contact the Building Division at 562-383-4116 to determine if a permit is required. Simply moving in furniture typically does not require a permit.

• For exterior improvements: You should contact the Planning Division to ensure your plans do not violate the Zoning Code.

We encourage you to contact us early in the process. We are here to help you address any challenges and get your business up and running as efficiently as possible.

The type and size of permanent signs you can use are regulated by the City Municipal Code and are determined by the zoning of your business location.

Additionally, some properties have a specific Sign Program, which outlines a set of rules and restrictions for all businesses within that location. If a Sign Program exists for your property, you must follow its guidelines.

Please note that building permits are required before you can install any signs.

To determine the size and type of sign allowed for your business, and to find out if a Sign Program exists for your property, please consult with the Planning Division staff.

Temporary signs are strictly regulated. The most common type of temporary sign permitted is a banner.

• A banner can be displayed for up to 30 days at a time, for a maximum of 3 times per year.

• The size of a banner is limited to 45 square feet, or a maximum of 3 feet by 15 feet.

A banner permit must be obtained from the Planning Division or the City website before you can install the banner.

Other types of temporary signs, such as flags, inflatables, pennants, streamers, strobe lights, and moving or human display signs, are generally not permitted.

If you have questions about temporary signage, please consult with the Planning Division staff.

No, signs are not permitted on public property.

This includes:

• The public right-of-way (e.g., sidewalks and parkways between the sidewalk and the street)

• Public structures such as power poles, sign poles, and utility boxes.

The use of human display signs is also prohibited.