Starting a Business

Westlake Village is known as a very business friendly City and has been noted as being one of the easier jurisdictions in the area for businesses to work with. As part of its commitment to being business friendly, the City of Westlake Village does not require a City business license, business registration, or business tax to operate. However, there are several steps that a prospective business owner should take prior to opening a business in Westlake Village.

Step 1: Contact the Planning Department

Contact the Planning Department at planning@wlv.org or 818-706-1613 to determine if your business is allowed at the location you wish to operate, based on the property's zoning designation. Do this before signing any lease or purchase agreement. Some businesses may require approval of a Conditional Use Permit.

Step 2: Apply for a Conditional Use Permit (if required)

While most businesses will not require this, some businesses in certain locations will require approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) prior to opening. A CUP application requires plans for the proposed business and an application fee of $1,081. The decision to approve or deny the CUP application will be made by the City Council at a noticed public hearing.

Step 3: Obtain a County Business License (if required)

The City of Westlake Village does not require a business license or charge a business tax. However, certain types of businesses are required to obtain a business license from the County of Los Angeles. Please visit the County of Los Angeles Treasurer and Tax Collector web site for more information.

Step 4: Comply with County, State, and Federal Regulations

A Federal Tax ID number, State Resellers Permit, and Fictitious Business Name (DBA) registration may be required. Additionally, various other permits and licenses issued by the State and County may be required for businesses to open in Westlake Village. It is the business owner’s responsibility to ensure that all necessary permits and other requirements are met.

For additional information, please contact the Westlake Village Planning Department at planning@wlv.org or 818-706-1613.