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Business License

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1. Who needs a business license?

Any entity or person who conducts any business, trade, profession, enterprise, establishment or occupation within the city needs a business license whether or not the physical business address is in or outside of the City.

2. When should I apply for a business license?

Businesses with a physical location in the City should apply within 30 days of occupying the premises. Out-of-city businesses should apply before conducting any trade, profession, enterprise, establishment or occupation within the city limits.

3. Do I need to apply in person?

If your business is physically located in the City, it's best to apply in person. However most of the process can be handled by email, provided the application is complete and payment for both the inspection and business license tax has been made.

In most cases, if your business is located outside of the City limits, your business license can be processed by mail.

4. How much does it cost?

The rates vary. For a complete list rates, refer to the fee rate table in the "Obtaining a Business License - In City Address" or "Obtaining a Business License - Out-of-City" page.

5. Are there penalties for not obtaining a business license?

Yes. Conducting business in the City without first obtaining a business license can result in penalties and citations.

6. My business location was inspected, but it did not pass inspection. What do I need to do?

Obtaining inspection approval is an important step towards obtaining a city business license, if you did not get an approval on your inspection; this means there were items that require correction.

The inspector will leave you a correction notice or write the corrections directly on your copy of the inspection application.

To obtain the inspector’s approval signature, the business owner or representative needs to make arrangements to have the corrections made. When all corrections have been addressed, a re-inspection appointment must be made. This is the only way the inspector will know the corrections are done and the location is ready for re-inspection. There is no charge for the re-inspection.

7. How do I schedule a re-inspection?

1. Call the Inspection Appointment Line (323) 722-4805 and ask for extension 2299
2. Please speak clearly and slowly and state:
Business Name
Business Address
Your Name and Call Back Number
State you are calling to request a re-inspection for a business license
3. An inspector will go out the next day to conduct the re-inspection
4. Someone must be at the location to let the inspector into the building.

8. What if I move to a new location within the City?

A business license is not transferable. If your business moves to a new location within the City, a new business license is required. For licensing information, refer to the "Obtaining a Business License - In City Address" page and go through the steps to download the forms.

9. What if I have a current business license and establish a separate business from the same location?

A separate business license is required for each entity or business operating from the same location. For licensing information, refer to the "Obtaining a Business License - In City Address" page and go through the steps to download the forms.

10. What if I expand my business to another location(s) within the City?

A separate business license is required for each branch or separate place of business that is a part of any licensed business within the City. For licensing information, refer to the "Obtaining a Business License - In City Address" page and go through the steps to download the forms.

11. Are there different requirements for home-based businesses?

Yes. Businesses operating from a residence within the City need to first obtain a Home Occupation Permit from the Planning Division. Once you have a Home Occupation Permit, you may fill out a business license application to obtain the business license.

12. Do non-profit organizations need a business license?

All non-profit organizations must obtain a business license and are subject to the City's business license requirements. For licensing information, refer to the "Obtaining a Business License - In City Address" page and go through the steps to download the forms.

13. What other things may I need?

You may need a:
Seller's Permit from the State Board of Equalization if you sell or warehouse merchandise

Health Permit from the Los Angeles County Health Department if you handle or store food

Liquor License from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and a City Conditional Use Permit if you sell or serve alcohol

Federal Tax ID# from the Internal Revenue Service if you have employees, are incorporated, or have a registered partnership

California State License# if your profession requires a license from the state, (e.g. manicurist, chiropractor)

14. What if I stop doing business or move away?

Let us know in writing when you move away or stop doing business. This notification is important because it will prevent you from receiving renewal notices for future tax years.

15. Why is the City asking for my 3rd quarter wage and withholding filing with the California Employment Development Department?

It's important for businesses to know which employees and period to report when calculating their business license tax. For certain businesses, the annual business license tax is partly based on the number of employees used in the conduct of business for the Commerce location for the month of September of the current year.

This is how we verify the accuracy of the information provided on the renewal notice or application.

Our municipal code defines an employee as "any individuals engaged or used in the conduct of business, including all individuals actively participating in the conduct of such business at the premises occupied by the applicant, whether as owners, partners, managers, employees, leased employees or individuals that utilized through a temporary personnel agency or service."

For this reason, we ask for a copy of your wage and withholding filing with the EDD for the 3rd quarter of the current year. If you used an employement agency, we need a copy of the invoice for services provided in September of the current year.

Vendors used by the licensed business are not considered employees; however each vendor needs a separate City business license.

16. Who is considered an Employee for Business License tax purposes?

Our municipal code defines an employee as "any individuals engaged or used in the conduct of business, including all individuals actively participating in the conduct of such business for the premises occupied by the applicant, whether as owners, partners, managers, employees, leased employees or individuals utilized through a temporary personnel agency or service."

17. My quarterly wage and withholding filing contains confidential information. Why is the City asking for confidential information?

We understand your concerns about confidentiality. The information provided is not shared with anyone and is destroyed soon after it is reviewed by the Business License Officer.

The City only needs to verify the number of employees engaged or used in the conduct of business for the Commerce location.

Please block out all confidential information such as social security numbers. To confirm the correctness of the information provided, we ask that you leave all other information accessible.

18. My business has various locations in California. The EDD filing does not provide a breakdown by location. Do I still need to submit the filing?

Yes. Businesses with multiple locations need to submit their DE 9C and multiple worksite filing for the 3rd quarter of the current year. The multiple worksite filing does provide a breakdown of employees per location and will verify the number of employees reported for the Commerce location.

The Employment Development Department requires businesses with at least 10 employees at most of their Calfornia locations to file a multiple worksite report.

If you currently do not file a multiple worksite report, please contact the California Employment Development Department to find out if you need to file this report and how to file it.

19. Do I need to report part-time, seasonal, temporary, leased, contract, sales or field employees?

Yes. All employees used in the conduct of business for the licensed location must be reported on the renewal notice, whether as owners, partners, managers, leased employees, field employees or individuals used through a temporary personnel agency or service.

20. Do I need to report employees that worked only a day or two in September of the current year?

Yes. Any and all employees engaged or used in the conduct of business for any length of time in September of the current year should be reported on the application.

21. I don't know what a wage and withholding filing is. Where do I obtain a copy?

The wage and withholding filing is handled by your payroll department. If your business uses a payroll company, ask the company for a copy of the quarterly filing for the 3rd quarter of the current year. If your company has several locations in California, you also need to ask them for a copy of the multiple worksite filing.

22. I don't file a quarterly return with the EDD. What should I do?

If you are exempt from filing a quarterly with the EDD office, please provide a brief statement with the reason for the exemption.

If your employees were hired through an employment agency or service, submit a copy of the invoice from the employment agency for services provided in September of the current year.

If you hired independent contractors or vendors, provide a copy of your most recent business tax return and 1099's. Each independent contractor or vendor needs to obtain a business license.

23. What happens if I don't provide the requested information?

The business license will be placed on hold until the information is received by the Business License Division.

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City Attorney

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1. How do I file a claim against the City?

Claim forms are available from the city clerk. Filing a Claim

2. Where do I serve a lawsuit against the City?

The city clerk is the agent for service of process for the City of Commerce. Please contact the city clerk at (323) 722-4805 for assistance. City Clerk's Office

3. Should a document subpoena for city records be served on the City Attorney's office?

No, document subpoenas should be served to the city clerk's office, located at 2535 Commerce Way. City Clerk's Office

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Commerce Train Station

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1. Do you allow overnight parking?

Yes.

2. Is the parking lot secure?

No.

3. Are bicycle racks available at the station?

Yes.

4. Does the station have restrooms?

No.

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Community Development Department - Housing Division

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1. How do I apply for the Fix-Up Grant Program?

Please fill out the new online application or print and submit the following completed PDF form to:
Community Development Department
2535 Commerce Way
Commerce, CA 90040
Neighborhood Fix-Up Grant Application

2. How do I apply for the First-Time Homebuyer Program?

Please fill out the new online application or print and submit the following completed PDF form to:
Community Development Department
2535 Commerce Way
Commerce, CA 90040
First-Time Homebuyer Loan Program Application

3. How do I apply for the Home Preservation Grant Program?

Please fill out the new online application or print and submit the following completed PDF form to:
Community Development Department
2535 Commerce Way
Commerce, CA 90040
Home Preservation Grant Program Application

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Employment Business and Development Center

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1. Are there any costs to register for the program?

The Employment and Business Development Center does not charge a fee for its services. They are Free.

2. How do I register for the program?

You may call (323) 887-4461 to schedule an appointment. All new clients must schedule an appointment.

3. How long must I wait for an available appointment?

The average wait to obtain an appointment is 2-3 business days.

4. What type of jobs does the EBDC obtain?

The EBDC works directly with local companies in the private and public sector located in and out of the Commerce business community. We obtain jobs in the Clerical, Financial, Sales, Customer Service, Warehouse, General Labor, Mechanical, Management and Trade related fields. The jobs referrals will vary from company to company.

5. What other services do you provide?

The EBDC provides other resources such as: Computer Classes, Resumes, and Job Training resources.

6. How do I register for computer classes?

Contact the EDBC at (323) 887-4461 for computer classes information.

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Finance

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1. How can I get a copy of the City's budget?

To get a copy of the City's budget, visit the Finance Department's archives. Adopted Budget Archives

2. How can I get information on City's bids or RFPs?

For details on the City's current bids and RFPs, please visit the following link. Purchasing Division

3. How do I get a business license in the City of Commerce?

For details on obtaining a business license in Commerce, please visit the following link. Business Licenses

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Library

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1. How do I get a library card?

To apply for a library card, please complete and submit this Patron Registration Form to the City of Commerce Public Library at any of our library locations.

2. How do I reserve a computer?

To reserve a computer, please visit the following website. PC Reservation Online

3. How do I renew my books online?

To renew your books online, please visit the following website. Online Book Renewal

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Mayor & City Council

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1. How do I make an appointment to meet with a councilmember?

A city councilmember's office hours vary. Please contact the Administration Department at (323) 722-4805 ext. 2250 or ext. 2251 to request an appointment.

2. When does the City Council meet?

Regular City Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month in the City Council Chambers located at 5655 Jillson Street.

3. Our business is holding a special event. How can we invite the mayor and City Council to participate and/or recognize our company?

To invite the mayor and City Council to participate in an upcoming special event, please contact the Administration Department by calling (323) 722-4805 ext. 2250. You may also send the request via email.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. How do I find out when a meeting room is available?

For room availability, please visit the following website. Recware Online

2. What dates do you have available for camp?

To review available dates for camp, please visit the following website. Recware Online

3. When do the spray pools open?

Spray pools are open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

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Planning

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1. How does the Planning Division classify uses?

The City of Commerce uses the Standard Industrial Classification System to identify and classify permitted and non-permitted uses. For more information, please visit the following website. Standard Industrial Classification System Search

2. How do I get a copy of a zoning map?

To request a copy of a zoning map, please stop by the Planning Division's public counter within City Hall, located at 2535 Commerce Way, or contact them at (323) 722-4805 ext. 2810 or 2346.

3. How do I find out the zoning on a parcel of land?

To find out the zoning on a parcel of land, please stop by the Planning Division's public counter within City Hall, located at 2535 Commerce Way, or contact them at (323) 722-4805 ext. 2810 or 2346.

A good description of where the property is located is needed to ensure an accurate response. A street address is preferred. However, if no address exists, an assessor's parcel number (APN) or general location (i.e., major cross streets) may suffice.

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Public Information Office

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1. How do I get the City’s newsletter?

To request a copy of the City newsletter or another City publication, please contact the Public Information Office at (323) 887-4453. You can also view our online events at the following link. City Calendar

2. Can I place an ad in the City’s newsletter?

The City's newsletter, Report to the People, does not accept ads. However, there are two local newspapers that do:

• The Commerce Comet
  Ph: (323) 341-7970
  
• The Los Angeles Wave
  Ph: (323) 566-5720

3. What local newspapers serve the City?

The City is served by two local weekly newspapers:

• The Commerce Comet
  Ph: (323) 341-7970
  
• The Los Angeles Wave
  Ph: (323) 566-5720

4. Does the City print obituaries in the Report to the People newsletter for residents who have recently passed away?

Except for City officials who have passed away, the City does not print obituaries. To request that a council meeting adjourn in the deceased person’s memory, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (323) 722-4805 ext. 2253.

If you would like to submit an obituary to the local newspapers, please contact:

• The Commerce Comet
  Ph: (323) 341-7970
  
• The Los Angeles Wave
  Ph: (323) 566-5720

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Redevelopment

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1. What is redevelopment?

Redevelopment is a process created by state law to assist cities and counties in eliminating blight from a designated area, and to achieve desired development, reconstruction and rehabilitation, including but not limited to residential, commercial, industrial and retail developments.

2. What is the Redevelopment Agency?

The City Council members are generally the governing board for a redevelopment agency; however, the council and the agency are two separate, distinct legal entities. The agency members hire staff to carry out the day-to-day operations and its redevelopment plans. In Commerce, the Community Development Commission serves as the Redevelopment Agency.

3. What is a redevelopment plan?

A redevelopment plan is a document within which specific projects and activities are identified for implementation consistent with established goals and objectives or guiding principles for a given Redevelopment Project Area. The plan provides the agency with powers to take certain actions such as to buy and sell land within the area covered by the plan (project area), improving dilapidated facilities and to use tax increment financing. In Commerce, there are redevelopment plans for each of the four redevelopment project areas.

4. What is a Project Area?

A project area is geographically defined area within a city or county within which actual redevelopment will take place. The project area must first go to public hearing (giving citizens who will be included in the project area a chance to express their views) after which the redevelopment agency acts on the adoption of the project area and becomes primarily responsible for future projects.

5. What does redevelopment do for the community?

Redevelopment helps communities revitalize downtowns, neighborhoods or industrial areas in the following ways:

• Attracting new jobs and businesses


• Creating affordable housing


• Stimulating private investment


• Reducing crime


• Building and improving roads, utilities and other public facilities


• Preserving historic buildings

6. How do redevelopment agencies secure funds?

The state law makes available to redevelopment agencies a method of obtaining funds called tax increment financing. Usually, the flow of tax increment revenues to the agency will not be sufficient in itself to finance the full scope of redevelopment activities and development projects. Therefore, agencies issue bonds. These bonds are not a debt of the City or county and are repaid solely from tax increment revenue. Tax increments can be used only in the same project which generates them, except for residential projects which benefit low- and moderate-income households.

7. Will my property taxes be raised?

The presence of redevelopment does not in and of itself trigger an increase in property taxes. It is important to note that higher taxes from the sale, development or rehabilitation of property reflect a rise in property value and not an increase in tax rate. Until a property is improved or sold, assessed values and tax rates in redevelopment areas are restricted by Proposition 13 limitations.

8. How will this affect the City or county and other taxing agencies in regard to tax revenue loss?

Other taxing agencies continue receiving the base revenues and depending upon when the project area was created some additional revenues pass through to the taxing entities.

9. Why does the agency have the power of eminent domain (condemnation of property)?

Private developers seldom can assemble many separate parcels of land into a site large enough for their needs. One small hold out can refuse to sell at any price and block the entire development. The agency can, if necessary, use its power of eminent domain to acquire the hold-out parcel at fair market value and permit the development to proceed in order to reduce or eliminate a blighting condition. In Commerce, two of the four redevelopment project areas have eminent domain authority. If it is determined that property acquisition by the commission is necessary in carrying out the goals and objectives of the redevelopment plan, it is the commission’s policy to always attempt to acquire property by negotiated settlement and that eminent domain is the last resort.

10. What is relocation?

Relocation is the displacement of a business or family for the purpose of clearing land and preparing it for its designated use. When a person or business meets the legal qualifications, the Redevelopment Agency pays for assistance in finding a new location, payments to help cover moving costs and payments for certain other costs as provided by law. In Commerce, the commission has adopted relocation guidelines to address all manner of potential displacement in a fair and equitable manner.

11. If a citizen should decide to sell property to the agency, who determines the selling price?

The agency would hire an independent appraiser to establish the fair market value of the property; he or she may hire his or her own appraiser to re-evaluate the property, after which both appraisals will be compared and a selling price negotiated. Fair market value is value that the property would have if it were placed in today’s market place and sold.

12. If my community adopts a redevelopment program that includes my home or business, does that mean my home or business is blighted?

No. Blight is a legal term used solely for the purposes of determining whether your community can qualify for redevelopment. The Redevelopment Agency must make a finding that the area suffers from adverse economic and physical conditions, defined in the law as blight. Some areas that qualify for redevelopment often have well-maintained homes or businesses interspersed among deteriorating structures.

13. If I live in a redevelopment project area, does that mean I will lose my home and have to leave?

No. Simply living in a redevelopment project area does not mean that you will be forced to move. Typically, redevelopment improves an area so that you and your neighbors can enjoy your neighborhood more. The Redevelopment Agency rarely acquires homes through eminent domain. However, if eminent domain is necessary, the property is always paid for at a fair price, which is typically the current appraised value. Rest assured that if your home was to be redeveloped, the agency has to go through a rigorous set of procedures to protect your interests. You would also likely be eligible for relocation assistance.

14. Is redevelopment common?

Redevelopment is a process specifically authorized by state law to assist local governments in revitalizing their communities. Over 400 California cities and counties have adopted local redevelopment plans.

15. Is there redevelopment assistance available for my business or project proposal? If so, what type of assistance is available?

Specific redevelopment assistance in Commerce is available on a case-by-case basis. The commission has a long-standing history of using redevelopment assistance to attract and retain new businesses and to help existing businesses expand. In all cases assistance from the commission must be in furtherance of the goals and objectives for the redevelopment project area. Generally speaking, commission assistance is available for businesses or project proposals that demonstrate a need for redevelopment assistance without which the project or proposal would not be feasible and that can be shown to generate benefits to the community. Examples of this include but are not limited to:

• Creation, retention, or expansion of jobs, especially higher paying skilled positions


• Creation of or increase in sales tax, property tax, and/or tax increment revenues to the commission and City


• Provision of needed goods and services to the community; in addition, demonstration that it can enhance, compliment or increase the level of services to the project area it serves and the community as a whole

Redevelopment Assistance can take many forms depending upon need and the project benefit as shown above. Examples may include:

• Assistance with capital costs including but not limited to land, buildings or construction costs


• Assistance with property acquisition in furtherance of commission goals and objectives for the project area


• Entitlement and expedited permit processing


• Assistance to leverage funds or partner with other agencies, i.e., Los Angeles County, and other regional, state, or federal agencies to facilitate a project

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Transportation

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1. How can I obtain a printed copy of the bus schedule?

You may obtain a copy of the bus schedule by printing from this website or
contacting our office at (323) 887-4419. Transit Bus Schedule

2. How do I qualify and/or apply for the Medi-Ride services?

In order to qualify for the Medi-Ride services you must be a City of Commerce resident, and must be 50 years of age or older, or disabled. You can apply for the services by completing a form in the Transportation Department, and providing us with your Commerce ID or your California ID, which identifies your address in Commerce. Medi-Ride Services

3. Can I bring a bike on the bus?

Each transit bus is equipped with two bike racks that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bikes on Buses Brochure

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Vendor FAQs

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1. How can I get on the City’s Vendor List?

The City maintains a Vendor Database for up to one year that is used as a resource in locating prospective vendors. To add your business or firm to the Vendor Database, simply complete the Vendor Information Form. On the form, indicate the service or product your business can supply to the City. Vendor information can also be faxed to (323) 838-4243 or mailed to:
City of Commerce
2535 Commerce Way
Commerce, CA 90040
Attn: Purchasing Division / Finance Department

For further information about the City, or about the City’s purchasing procedures, contact the Purchasing Division of the Finance Department at (323) 722-4805 ext. 4421.

2. What are the City’s terms of payment?

Net 30 days from receipt of an original invoice referencing the City’s purchase order number. All invoices require a purchase order number and are to be mailed to the attention of Accounts Payable, Finance Department, at:
City of Commerce
2535 Commerce Way
Commerce, CA 90040
Attn: Accounts Payable / Finance Department

3. What provisions, if any, do local vendors receive when competing with out-of-town vendors?

The City attempts to always “buy Commerce” first. The City accepts the lowest responsible proposal. While the City of Commerce makes every effort to utilize as many vendors as possible, it does not guarantee that your company will be contacted. All local companies are required to have a W-9 Form filled out and filed with our Accounts Payable Division and a current City of Commerce Business License. Business license information may be obtained by contacting the Business License Division of the Finance Department at (323) 722-4805 ext. 2525.

4. Is the City required to accept the lowest proposal?

In competitive purchasing situations, the City is required to accept the lowest responsible proposal. In determining the lowest responsible proposal, factors such as price, references, years of service, direct manufacturer, adherence to proposal specifications, quality of merchandise, workmanship proposed, timeliness in delivery or work schedule and other factors identified in the specifications are all taken into consideration. The City reserves the right to reject any proposal, reject or delete any one part of a proposal and accept other parts and to make award to the lowest responsible vendor as the interests of the City may require.

5. Do I have to comply with state and federal mandates in my own business if I wish to do business with the City?

Yes. Certain state and federal guidelines require contractors who work for recipients of state and/or federal grant funding (such as the City of Commerce) must also comply with various personnel laws and regulations (e.g., prevailing wage). Proposal packages and contracts generated by the City will fully identify specific requirements that are pertinent to a particular proposal and job.

6. Does the City require vendors to use a purchase order number?

Yes. Purchase order numbers are issued for all purchases made by the City. Vendors doing business with the City should request a purchase order number from staff at the time an order is placed to ensure payment is made in a timely manner.

7. How can I find out what jobs or projects are available for bid?

All Community Development Department projects exceeding $50,000 will be advertised in the following trade papers: Bluebook, Dodge Greensheet, BidAmerica, Construction Market Data, Local Newspaper and on the City website bid listings.

Smaller projects for the Community Development Department are placed on a job list and updated weekly. Although every effort is made to contact vendors for quotes when applicable, vendors are advised to keep abreast of upcoming Public Works Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects by referencing the trade papers and periodically viewing the City’s website where current bids and Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) are posted. Information regarding upcoming Community Development maintenance projects can be obtained directly at the Community Development Department counter in City Hall.

Every effort is made to utilize the Vendor Database whenever quotes are required. However, each department supervisor also maintains a vendor contact list. Vendors who are interested in conducting business with the City are encouraged to contact the department to which they can provide services and/or products. All departments can be reached at (323) 722-4805.