Economic Development

The City of Placentia's official motto is "A pleasant place to live." It is also a pleasant place to work and shop, and we highly encourage potential businesses to contact the City for more information about relocating to Placentia. This online business guide includes business resources, applications, fee schedule and more. Our goal is to continue to provide new resources that will help new and existing businesses thrive in Placentia. 

Starting a Business in Placentia

We are excited that you decided to open a business in Placentia. This guide will assist you through the different steps so you can quickly cut the grand opening ribbon on your business.

Building Permits & Zoning

Before you buy or lease property in Placentia, the City encourages you to contact the Building Division at (714) 993-8147 to review any building permits and ensure that the building is up to code. In addition, please check with the Planning Division at (714) 993-8268 to ensure that your proposed business location is in a properly zoned area or visit their webpage.

Home Based Businesses

Placentia Municipal Code Section 23.81.020 regulates businesses based out of the home. Included within these regulations are requirements that no on-site sales occur, no non-resident of the premises is employed on-site, no direct outdoor storage occurs, and no increase in pedestrian or vehicular traffic occurs as a result of the business. If you are planning to have a business in your home, please contact the City of Placentia Planning Division to determine if your business activity is allowed in a residence. Please review the Home Occupation requirements before contacting the City.

State Licenses

Many occupations, such as physician, attorney, construction contractor, etc., require a State license. You may be required to show proof of this license before a City registration certificate is issued. If you are in doubt about State licensing requirements for your business, you should contact the State Department of Consumer Affairs at (800) 344-9940 or visit their website. 

City Business License and Permits

All businesses operating in the City of Placentia are required to have an annual business license for each of its locations. If you are opening a new business, buying an existing business, or transferring a business to your ownership, you must apply for a new business license under your name. Please visit the City's Business License webpage for more information by clicking here.

Filing a Fictitious Name Statement

A fictitious name or Doing Business As (DBA) is the name a business uses other than the owner's name, or in the case of a corporation, one that is different from that registered in the articles of incorporation. If you are using a fictitious name, the California Business & Professions Code requires that you file a fictitious name statement. It is also important to do this to enable the consumer to know who he/she is doing business with. Filing will entitle you to initiate suits for the protection of the name. Most banks require you have proof of filing to open a business account using the fictitious name. A DBA must be filed with the Orange County Clerk/Recorder, followed with an advertisement in an Orange County newspaper that files public notices. For more information, contact the Orange County Clerk/Recorder at (714) 834-2500 or visit their website. The Orange County Clerk/Recorder has a branch office in Fullerton at 201 N. Harbor Blvd. Office hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday.

Seller's Permit

If your business involves the sale of tangible personal property either retail or wholesale, you are required to obtain a seller's permit from the State Board of Equalization (SBOE). As a seller, you must remit sales tax (collected from the consumer at the time of sale) to the SBOE. The SBOE will advise you of the time and manner in which taxes are to be reported and paid. Failure to register for a seller's permit and pay taxes in the manner prescribed may result in a fine or other penalty. For more information contact the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration at (800) 400-7115 or visit their website.

Federal and State Employer Requirements

All businesses that have employees are required to obtain a federal employer identification number (FEIN) from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. This is required for the purposes of withholding payment of employee taxes. For more information, please contact the Internal Revenue Service at (800) 829-1040 or visit their website. 

As an employer, you may also be required to file with the State of California Employer Development Department. This is for the purpose of withholding employee tax, as well as for meeting unemployment insurance requirements. For more information, please contact the Employment Development Department at (888) 745-3886 or (916) 653-0707 or visit their website. 

Alcoholic Beverage License

If your business is going to sell any type of alcoholic beverages you must first obtain an Alcoholic Business License from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. For more information call (714) 558-4101 or visit their website.

Alarm System Permit

If you have an alarm in your home or business, you are required to have a valid Alarm User's Permit. Please click here to apply for an alarm permit.

Building Permits, Signs and Banners

If you will be remodeling the structure you plan to occupy, building permits may be required for the work. In addition, a permit is required for signs and banners. For further information, contact the Development Services Department at (714) 993-8268.

Comprehensive User Fee Schedule

The City of Placentia is responsible for providing a variety of services to its citizens. Services that support the general public, such as public safety services, are supported by tax and other non-fee revenues, while services that are more elective in nature and have specific individual beneficiaries are typically supported by user fee charges. To view the City's Comprehensive User Fee Schedule, please click here.

Information and Resources

Additional economic development resources may be obtained by utilizing these outside resources: