Carson is a wonderful place for a small business because it is between four major freeways, has a diverse population with a median
family income 18% greater than L.A. County's average and does not have a city property tax, parking tax or gross receipt tax. Carson
also has a business-friendly city government; professional business guidance, growth potential and can sometimes provide financial
assistance. To start a small business in Carson, contact the Carson Development Services Work Group's Planning Division to ensure your
business is in compliance with current zoning laws. Through the promotion of efficient land use, zoning laws maintain Carson's integrity.
City of Carson ‐ Development Services Work Group
Carson City Hall
701 E. Carson Street
Carson, CA 90745
Planning Division: (310) 952-1761
Engineering Division: (310) 952-1795
Building and Safety Division: (310) 952-1766
In the event that food products will be sold as part of your business, the Health Department must be contacted for a Health Permit.
County of Los Angeles Department of Health Services
769 West 3rd Street Rm.205 B
San Pedro, Ca 90731
(310) 519-6086
Contact: Mr. Malay between 7am-9am
If products or services are going to be sold that require state sales tax is to be charged to the customer and collected by the
seller, a Seller's Permit must obtained from the State Board of Equalization.
State Board of Equalization/ Department of Business Taxes
680 W. Knox Street, Suite 500
Torrance, CA 90502
(800) 400-7115
(310) 516-4300 fax: (310) 516-4139
www.boe.ca.gov/
If vehicles are going to be sold or serviced, additional state permits as well as city permits may need to be obtained. For example:
- Auto Repair Permit = $50.
- Second Hand Dealers Permit (for refurbished parts) = $150.
- Auto Body/Fender Permit = $50.
- Auto Painting Permit = $50.
- Vehicle Rental Permit = $25.
And additional permits may be required for vending machines, food or shoeshine stand, burglar alarms, etc.
Note: City of Carson does NOT allow used car sales ‐ unless it is in conjunction with new cars sales.
Bureau of Automotive Repair/ Department of Consumer Affairs
6035 Bristol Parkway
Culver City, Ca 90230
(800) 952-5210 (310) 410-0025
(916) 255-3145 fax: (310) 410-0159
www.smogcheck.ca.gov
www.dca.ca.gov
The City of Carson's Economic Development Work Group's Business Development Division can assist with business attraction,
retention and expansion. They are a first resource for information on locations, possible business assistance, planning, permitting, licensing and development.