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.

Certificate of Occupancy 

A Certificate of Occupancy is required from all businesses to occupy a space, except home-based businesses. Commercial or industrial buildings or suites cannot be occupied without first obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy. As part of the Certificate of Occupancy process, please confirm that the proposed use is consistent with the property zoning. Contact the Planning Division at planner@cityofbrea.net or (714) 990-7674 to verify zoning information to determine if your business can be legally established at your location. 

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.

Industrial Business Requirements

The State of California requires industrial facilities that conduct certain activities to be covered by an Industrial General Permit. Industrial General Permits are issued by the State Water Resource Control Board. For more information, please click here. 

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.

FOG Application

Disability Compliance Requirements

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:

Resources