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Starting a Business in Irvine

Where to begin?

Starting a Business

Agencies to contact before starting a business in Irvine

There are many steps that need be taken when starting a new business.  A list of agencies to contact before starting a business can be found on the City of Irvine business license application and instruction website.  To find the list, search the City of Irvine website homepage at www.ci.irvine.ca.us. and look under the Business License link. After you have identified what type of business you are starting, a location for the business needs to be found.  Once the location has been found or if you need to speak to someone regarding a potential business site, contact the Community Development department at (949) 724-6300.    The Community Development Department will be able to assist you by explaining zoning issues, building and business permits, and site selection.  Once you are ready to begin your business, your final step is to file for a business license with the City of Irvine.  If you need assistance with the application or have a general question, call (949) 724-6310. 

Relocating your Business within the Area

Before relocating your business within the City of Irvine, you must contact the Community Development Department at (949) 724-6300  to ensure that the area you are moving to is zoned for your business. Not all businesses are allowed in all zoning districts. Once you have received notification that the area of interest is appropriately zoned for your business, you will need to contact the Business License unit in Regulatory Affairs to complete a business license application.  Business License applications can be obtained in Community Development, Regulatory Affairs, or downloaded from www.cityofirvine.org/ipd/divisions/business_licenses/default.asp

Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau of the Southland serves Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties and is one of nearly 200 Better Business Bureaus across the U.S. and Canada.  If you suspect consumer fraud or would like to receive more information or file a complaint, contact the Bureau's local office. They are located at 550 West Orangethorpe Ave, Placentia, CA 92870.  They can be reached by phone at (714) 985-8900 ext 106 for membership, and (714) 985-8922 to register a complaint, or visit their website at www.bbbsouthland.org

Irivne Chamber of Commerce

The Irvine Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization designed to support the business interests of the community and to provide services and information to the residents and visitors of Irvine about local businesses. The Irvine Chamber of Commerce offices are open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays.  They are located at 2485 McCabe Way, Suite 150, Irvine,  CA  92614. For more information about services and programs that the Irvine Chamber of Commerce offers, call (949) 660-9112, or visit their website at www.irvinechamber.com

Consumer Problems

The State of California, Department of Consumer Affairs has a division that consumers can receive information about businesses and business regulations as well as report problems or concerns about area businesses. For assistance or further information, write to the California Department of Consumer Affairs at 400 R Street, Sacramento, CA  95814 or call them at 1-800-952-5210, or visit their website at www.dca.ca.gov. 

Residential Business Licenses

The City of Irvine allows home occupations in most residential zoning districts. A home occupation is a business activity which results in a product or service that is conducted in whole or in part of a dwelling unit. A residential business license certificate is required before a home occupation can begin operation.  The list of stipulations, in order to operate a business from your home, can be found at www.cityofirvine.org/ipd/divisions/business_licenses/default.asp (business license section) along with a home occupation application.  The certificate can be applied for and obtained from the Business License Department in Regulatory Affairs which is  located at 1 Civic Center Plaza between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and alternate Fridays.  For more information about licensing a home business or the home business ordinance, call the Business License department at (949) 724-7128.    

Transferring your Business License to a New Owner

If your business changes ownership during the year, you are required to notify the Business License department.  You must advise them of who the new owner is and the date ownership changed. According to the Irvine Municipal Code, a business license may not be transferred from one owner to another. New owners of a business must apply for their own business license. License fees also will not transfer; therefore, previous owners cannot be reimbursed for fees and new owners must pay for new fees. New owners are required to acquire all necessary occupancy permits and business licenses for the business. For additional information regarding the procedure for applying for a business license, call the Business License desk at (949) 724-6310.