Business License Tax Requirements

A business license tax is required of all businesses operating within the city limits, including temporary activities and contractors with offices outside the city. Rates vary according to the type of business. To pay for a City of Brea Business License Tax, please click here. For general inquiries about business tax, please contact Customer Support at (714) 886-6314 or email brea@hdlgov.com 

PAYMENT OF THIS TAX DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ZONING, BUILDING, OR FIRE CODE APPROVAL. CHECK WITH THE CITY OF BREA’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR BUSINESS CAN BE LEGALLY ESTABLISHED AT YOUR LOCATION.

If you are participating in a city event or Brea Chamber of Commerce event, please click here for the application.

Notice To All Applicants For Business License Tax Payment And Commercial Building Permits

Under federal and state law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public. You may obtain information about your legal obligations and how to comply with disability access laws at the following agencies:

New Requirements Affecting All Businesses In The City of Brea

Beginning January 1, 2020, the State of California requires industrial facilities that conduct certain activities to be covered by an Industrial General Permit from the State Water Resource Control Board. For more info, please click here. 

All businesses, except home-based businesses, must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy. Commercial or industrial buildings or suites cannot be occupied without first obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy.

Payment of the business license tax does not constitute zoning, building, or fire code approval. Check with the Community Development Department in order to determine if your business can be legally established at your location.

Restaurant Requirements

New restaurants need to submit a fats, oils, and greases (FOG) application, in addition to applying to the City of Brea for a business license tax and certificate of occupancy. As part of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) local municipalities are responsible to conduct inspections for correct handling of fats, oils, and greases.

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