City of Carson
What you need to know to get started.

1. A business license is renewed annually based on the anniversary month of doing business in the City of Carson.
2. Business Start Date is the date your business started operating in the City of Carson.
3. Federal Employee Identification Number (“FEIN”) is required for a LLC, Partnership, Trust, Corporation, or Non-Profit organization.
   A sole proprietorship business owner is required to provide their Social Security Number or an acceptable alternate identification number for business ownership purposes.
4. If your business is located in the City, the Business License certificate may be released after the Revenue Division receives approval from the Fire and Zoning Departments.
5. Payment is not required when submitting the application. Once the application has been received and reviewed, the City will send an email within 10 business days stating the amount due and instructions on how to pay online.
6. A homebased business, located in the City of Carson, is required to obtain a Business License.
7. If your business is licensed by the State of California (e.g. cosmetologist, contractor, etc.), please attach a copy to your online Business License application.

Burglar Alarm Permit and False Alarm Service Charges
Burglar alarms can be an effective method in deterring criminals from breaking into a location; however, having an alarm system is not a 100% guarantee for prevention. An alarm system (any device known as a burglary, robbery or intrusion alarm, or direct dial telephone device) is used for detection of an unauthorized entry into a structure. Though the popularity of alarm systems has sharply risen since its inception, approximately 98% of all alarm call responses are considered false. Unfortunately, the cost to the City for the Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputies to respond to these false alarms continues to escalate.

To alleviate the significant rising financial impact to the City, in December 1993, the City Council adopted a municipal code ordinance requiring any installed alarm system to have an alarm permit on file with the City of Carson.

Fees:

• $40 for the initial permit
• $30 for the annual renewal

No renewal charge for seniors/disabled persons

Per Location:

• First three (3) false alarms in any twelve (12) month period = no service charge
  
• Fourth (4) false alarm in the same twelve (12) month period = $100 false alarm charge
  
• Fifth (5) false alarm in the same twelve (12) month period = $200 false alarm charge
  
• Sixth (6) or more false alarms in the same twelve (12) month period = $300 per false alarm charge