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Thinking About Opening a Business in West Hollywood?
Need Help with an Established Business?
Your business in important to the City of West Hollywood. That's why
they have created special services and programs to help you establish a
business, and to keep it growing. As a partner in business with the
City, the Chamber has provided business information (see
below) to help you get started. Please note however, that some of
this information is only a summary of requirements or policies. Please
call the numbers listed under each heading for detailed information.
One-Stop Center
The Economic and Housing Division of the City has established a
self-service One-Stop Center located in the second-floor lobby of City
Hall at 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard. The Center has a variety of
information about topics such as financing management, crime prevention,
business incentives, and policies and procedures. Stop by the Center or
call the Economic Development and Housing Division at 323.848.6475.
Employment Services
Most businesses need employees; that's why the City established
W.H.E.S.T. - West Hollywood Employment Services and Training. The
Program assists employers in finding qualified employees who are
residents of West Hollywood. To place a job listing or to get more
information, call WHEST at 323.761.8888 or 323.944.0473.
Crime Prevention
The West Hollywood Sheriff's Station provides free crime prevention
training programs in buglary, credit card fraud and shoplifting. For an
appointment contact the Station at 310-855-8850 ext. 480.
Parking Requirements
The City has established parking requirements for all businesses. Make
sure to call the Planning Division at 323-848-6475 for requirements
concerning your specific business.
Building, Fire and Health Regulations and Permits
The City requires that all construction meet State and local public
safety standards and handicap regulations. Buidling permits are required
when you construct, repair, alter or remodel your premises. Permits and
plan approval may take up to four weeks. For detailed information, call
Building and Safety at 323-848-6475.
Fire Department approval is required for all new commercial buildings,
all major alterations, any intensification of use, and when the use or
occupancy of a business changes. Call the LA County Fire Prevention
Bureau at 310-358-2380 for specific details.
Are you opening a business that involves the sale of food? If the answer
is yes, you will need a Los Angeles County Health Department license. In
this case, your building and equipment plans must be approved by the
Health Department and the premises must pass a Health Department
inspection before opening. Plan ahead, call 323-871-4353.
Alcohol Permits
Alcohol applications and permits are reviewed and given by the State
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC). Application packets can be
obtained, and a review appointment made by calling the ABC at
213-897-5391. The license process can take up to 90 days - be patient
and plan ahead!
Don't forget to check-in with the City's Planning Division regarding
their Conditional Use Permit required for alcoholic beverage
sales.
Trash Collection, Recycling and Energy Conservation
With these services, you'd be amazed at how easy it is to be
"green" in West Hollywood.
West Hollywood Recycling Services is the exclusive franchised hauler for
all West Hollywood businesses. To arrange for trash collection call
800-350-4161. Note that construction debris is not accepted by West
Hollywood Recycling Services. For a list of permitted haulers, call
Environmental Services at 323-848-6404. To arrange for Hazardous Waste
Disposal, call 310-458-8255.
Each business should arrange for its own recycling services by a
recycler that is permitted to operate in the City. For a list of
permitted recyclers, call Environmental Services at 323-848-6404.
The Utility companies provide free energy programs such as financial
incentives, energy audits, on-site evaluation, equipment adjustments,
and other services. Below is a list of who to call.
The Gas Company: |
800-GAS-2000 |
| Department
of Water & Power: |
800-U ASK DWP |
| Southern
California Edison: |
800-990-7788 |
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