Business Licenses
According to the Irvine Municipal Code, any person doing business, conducting any trading, calling or practicing any profession within the City of Irvine and any person opening an office for a place of business or by the use of signs or otherwise advertising any trade, business or profession within the City of Irvine, shall apply for and obtain a business license certificate with the Irvine Police Department - Business License section.

However, prior to filling out an application for a business license, the business owner or representative needs to contact Community Development to determine if the location is zoned properly for the potential business and they can assist you with determining what appropriate licenses and permits are needed for the business. 

To contact the Community Development Department, call 949-724-6470.

Once Community Development has approved the type of business and location, a business license application must be completed.

Applications can be found at the Community Development counter, Business License desk or on the City's website. Office hours for Community Development are from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday. The business license office is located at 1 Civic Center in Irvine.

Business licenses must be renewed annually through the department and the license fee is $51 a year. Late fees do apply. Some businesses may require additional licenses. For example, certain contractors, hair dressers, automobile repair businesses, etc. must have a license from the State of California - Department of Consumer Affairs. 

Food-related businesses must be cleared by the Health Department.  Liquor stores and desiring restaurants must obtain liquor licenses from the Alcohol, Beverage and Control department in order to sell alcoholic beverages at the location.

For a complete list of specific business license requirements, or for more information about obtaining a license or renewing an existing license, call the Business License department at 949-724-7128 or visit cityofirvine.org/license.