Maintaining Your Business License

Responsibility to Maintain Your License

Per City of La Mesa Municipal Code 6.04.050, it is the owner's responsibility to maintain the business license account at all times. The license is valid for 12 month increments and is due for renewal at the end of the 12 months.

Renewing a Business License

Courtesy notices are mailed within the expiration month with a due date of 30 days after expiration. Licenses can be renewed by mail or in person at:
La Mesa City Hall
8130 Allison Ave.
La Mesa, CA 91942

Renewal Process

Please note that licenses can now be renewed online. The renewal process usually takes two to four weeks for paper submittals, however if you renew online it can be processed within one to two weeks.  In the months of December, January and February approximate processing times are three to six weeks.  Please click on the following renewal button for online renewals.
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If you do not receive your renewal notice, you may call us at 619.667.1118 to have a replacement mailed or faxed. Renewals submitted after their due date are subject to a penalty of 10% per month.

Changing a Business License
Changes to business licenses must be requested in writing. Per 6.04.170 of the City of La Mesa Municipal Code, If you need a re-print of your license, the fee is $5.00.

In Person or By Mail
To submit your change request in person or by mail, include the $5 re-print fee and the new application and present or mail to:
La Mesa City Hall
8130 Allison Ave.
La Mesa, CA 91942

The change may take between 1-2 weeks.

Changes to Your Business
If the business address or products / services that are offered have changed, you must submit a new application packet with all changes indicated. A change of address for an in-city business (not home occupation) requires that the license be re-approved by the Fire Department and Community Development Department.

Closing a Business License
If your business has closed or moved outside of the city, you need to close your business license. There is no processing fee associated with this request. To do this you must notify the city in writing.

Fax or Mail
The closure request may also be submitted by fax to 619.667.1131 or mailed to:
La Mesa City Hall
8130 Allison Ave.
La Mesa, CA 91942

Please be sure to close all related county, state, and federal permits and licenses as well. Businesses that keep their State Seller's Permit or other permits open will be required to continue paying business license fees.