Starting or Expanding Your In Business In Corona del Mar in the City of Newport Beach

Do I need a business license?

A business license is needed if you are starting a new business, are the new owner of an existing business, opening your business in an additional location, or moving your business to a new location in the City of Newport Beach/Corona del Mar. A business license is a tax for operating your business in Newport Beach/Corona del Mar. Revenue generated from license goes towards providing City of Newport Beach services such as public safety, road and infrastructure improvements, and maintenance, which contribute to making Newport Beach a highly desirable and profitable place to operate your business. You can apply for a business license online at https://apps.newportbeachca.gov/quest/Default?cat=BL

Where can I operate my business?

Zoning is a method in which the City of Newport Beach regulates the use of property to promote orderly growth and compatibility. Properties in Newport Beach are delineated into different zoning districts that allow for various land uses such as residential, commercial, and industrial. It is important to ensure that your business is allowed within a particular zoning district with a Zoning Clearance. You can locate the zoning district for any property using the City of Newport Beach’s online property search https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/community-development-/planning-division/local-coastal-program-launch-page/search-for-address

What signs can I install so people can find my business?

• Banners – Grand opening, special sales and other temporary business signage are permissible on a limited basis with the approval of a temporary banner permit, which are issued up to four times per year and may not exceed a total of sixty days per year.
• Permanent Signs – Sign regulations vary by property, and sometimes location. Before you change or add new signs, speak to your property manager and City of Newport Beach planning Department to review the sign regulations.

What fees am I responsible for?

1. Business License – Taxes are paid for the issuance of a business license https://apps.newportbeachca.gov/quest/Default?cat=BL
2. Building Permit – Fees are assessed upon issuance of a building permit. An encroachment permit is required for any work within the public right-of-way and on City utility infrastructure. You can estimate your building permit and school fees (if applicable) using the City’s online plan check and building permit fee estimator https://www.newportbeachca.gov/how-do-i-/apply-for/permits/building-permits-and-plan-check
3. Encroachment Permits – Fees are accessed for encroachment permits at the time of application. The City of Newport Beach fee schedule list the applicable fees for an encroachment permit https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/public-works/development-services/permits/encroachment-permits
4. Transportation Corridor Agency – For business involving new construction of additional square footage, the City of Newport Beach assesses a fee on behalf of the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency. A City Planner can check to see if this fee is applicable to our business and provide a fee estimate https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/finance/revenue-division/schedule-of-rents-fines-and-fees-srff
5. Traffic Fair Share – Roadway improvements are partially funded through the fair share fee program. For businesses that result in a new floor area or an intensification of use (e.g., general office to medical office, retail to restaurants) a fair share fee is assessed https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/finance/revenue-division/schedule-of-rents-fines-and-fees-srff

Resources In Corona del Mar and Newport Beach

Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce – https://www.cdmchamber.com