LA County Code Title 7 requires a county business license for trades operating in unincorporated areas, with classifications driving fees, inspections, and gross-receipts taxes. The Treasurer-Tax Collector and TTC Business License Unit administer the program.
Title 7 of the LA County Code lists more than 80 regulated business categories, from auctioneers to tow yards to massage establishments, each with classification-specific fees and standards. Most non-regulated commerce in unincorporated areas needs only a basic business license, while sensitive categories trigger LASD background checks and Department of Consumer and Business Affairs review. LA County does not impose a broad gross-receipts tax on most businesses, but specific categories pay flat or tiered fees set by Board ordinance. Cities such as Los Angeles run their own classification systems; a contractor working across jurisdictions may need multiple registrations layered on the county license.
Operating without the required Title 7 license exposes a business to misdemeanor charges, daily fines, equipment seizure for some categories, and a back-bill for unpaid fees plus interest under LA County Code Title 7.04.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and towed...
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new con...
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisan...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle business tax classification.
See how Lakewood's business tax classification rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.