The San Pedro Historic Waterfront Property Business Improvement District (SPHWBID) is one of the last underdeveloped waterfronts up and down the California Coast, the final frontier. For decades there have been plans of new developments to the waterfront, and now the time has come. Multiple developments, from commercial to residential, are being announced and shovels are hitting the ground in Downtown San Pedro and the LA Waterfront. The Harbor Boulevard Roadway Improvements Project is underway and in 2023 West Harbor will open for all to explore on the LA Waterfront.
Now is an amazing time to bring your developments or investments into San Pedro as our port town is turning into a thriving and vibrant waterfront community. San Pedro is a great home to help launch, grow and expand your business. There are many great resources available to you that can provide support for business owners and contractors to get work done.
We recommend you also visit the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber hosts virtual networking events and informational webinars to connect you with fellow chamber members and industry experts.
New Business Owners
If you are just starting out we recommend you visit The LA Business Portal. This portal will provide you with the information you need to plan, start, manage, and grow your business.
Small businesses are essential to our city’s economy. The LA Business Portal is here to make sure you have everything you need to succeed.
All individuals or entities conducting business activities within the City of Los Angeles are required to apply for and obtain a Business Tax Registration Certificate with the City of Los Angeles, Office of Finance. You may also have to register with other Federal, State, and Local government agencies depending on the structure and location of your business.
Useful Resources
Office of Finance
The Office of Finance is responsible for collecting business taxes, supporting businesses to obtain tax exemptions when applicable, and administering a variety of business licenses.
General Services Department
The General Services Department is a centralized City department that provides a variety of services including maintaining, leasing and selling City-owned properties.
Fire Department
The Los Angeles Fire Department reviews building construction and remodeling plans to ensure that they meet fire safety requirements.
Economic and Workforce Development Department
The Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development offers financing and technical assistance programs that promote business growth and job creation throughout Los Angeles.
Department of Water and Power
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power provides water and electricity to commercial and residential customers.
Department of Transportation
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation oversees many of the City's transportation-related activities, including parking, traffic control, DASH buses, and bicycle infrastructure.
Department of Public Works
The Los Angeles Department of Public Works is responsible for providing and maintaining public infrastructure, including streets, sidewalks, street trees and lighting, as well as sanitation services such as trash collection, recycling, and sewage. The Department of Public Works also oversees city contracting opportunities and implements the Los Angeles Minimum Wage.
Department of City Planning
The Department of City Planning works with business owners to ensure that their business conforms to zoning regulations in the City of Los Angeles, including the issuance of Conditional Use Permits for Alcohol.
Department of Building and Safety
The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) provides permitting, plan check, inspection, and code enforcement services for residential and commercial buildings in the City of Los Angeles.