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1. How do I open a business in San Gabriel?

The first thing to do if you have a specific location in mind is to check with the Planning Division to make sure the site is properly zoned for the type of business you want to operate.

Generally speaking, if the zoning allows that type of business and it doesn't require a Conditional Use Permit, your next step will be to obtain an application for a business license and occupancy permit from the Finance Department. Fill out this form and bring it to the Planning Division for approval. After you pay the application fees, we will schedule an inspection of your location by the Planning and Building Divisions and the Fire Department.

After successfully passing the inspection, you will be issued your business license and can open for business. To learn more about our business license requirements, open the attachment or contact the Planning Division at (626) 308-2806.
Additional Details

2. How many parking spaces do I need for my business?

The number of required parking spaces usually depends on three things: the type of business, the square footage of the business (building area, not land area), and the location of the business. Business parking requirements are the same citywide, except in the Mission District and Valley Blvd. Specific Plan areas, which have their own requirements.

Speak with the Planning Division to determine the exact number of parking spaces required for your business or review the summary for citywide parking requirements.
Parking Requirements

3. Can I set up a business in my home? What are the requirements/restrictions?

Yes, home-based businesses, or home occupations are permitted in the city, but there are some restrictions.

First, all home-based businesses need a business license. Information and a business license application can be obtained by calling the Finance Department at 626-308-2812.

Second, a home occupation should not change the residential use or character of the home. Typically, a home occupation is used as an office for maintaining mail addresses, provided that no stock-in-trade, supplies, parts, manufacturing and assembly equipment or materials, and chemicals are kept on the premises; no employees or assistants work on the premises, and no on-premises sales to customers are conducted at the home.

Additionally, all home occupations shall comply with the following:

1. Delivery and shipment of materials from the home occupation shall be by the United States Postal Service, or private delivery services generally recognized to make deliveries in residential neighborhoods. Deliveries or pickups by commercial vehicles containing three or more axles shall be prohibited


2. No home occupation shall generate any traffic, parking, sewerage, or water use in excess of what is normal for a residential use.


3. No home occupation may emit any smoke or emission that is visible to the naked eye or that violates any standards established by the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the California Air Resources Board.


4. No home occupation may violate the noise standards contained in the Municipal Code. No home occupation may generate any obnoxious or adverse odor that can be detected beyond the boundary of the premises.


5. No home occupation may generate any ground-transmitted vibration that is perceptible to the human sense of touch measured at the outside boundary of the lot or individual space.


6. No home occupation may create any electrical disturbance that adversely affects any operations, equipment, appliances, communications devices, or other electrical devices other than those of the creator of such disturbances.

If you have additional questions about running a home based business, please contact the Planning Division staff for assistance. Staff Directory

4. What do I need to do in order to open a massage business in the City of San Gabriel?

All new massage businesses and those with any change in ownership must first obtain a Conditional Use Permit from the Planning Division. This entails a public hearing before the Planning Commission and takes approximately 60-90 days. Please see the Planning Division for details. If the permit is approved each owner and manager of the business must come to City Hall to apply and pay for an Operator Permit. Once the Operator Permits have been issued by the Police Department the owner may apply for a business license and Certificate of Operation . We will need the Articles of Incorporation and Statement of Information, LLC papers, and/or Fictitious Business Name Statement, whichever are applicable. We will also need a floor plan, drawn to scale in feet and inches, on paper no bigger than 11”x17”. Everyone who provides massage services in the city must be certified by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC.) All independent contractors will need to apply for their own business licenses. All employees will need to show their CAMTC photo ID cards at City Hall. Please call 626-308-2812 with any questions or for additional information.

5. Does the City of San Gabriel allow Internet Cafes?

All Internet cafes, game rooms or arcades must apply for a Conditional Use Permit before they may apply for a business license. The CUP process involves a public hearing before the Planning Commission, takes approximately 2-3 months, and costs approximately $2,000. If the CUP is granted the business owner may then apply for a business license. If the CUP is denied, the money is not refunded and the business may not open. In any event, gambling or wagering of any kind is not allowed under any circumstances. Internet cafes or game rooms may not try to skirt the CUP requirement by giving a business description of "Computer Repair Shop" or "Computer Services" if indeed Internet gaming will take place.

6. Does the City of San Gabriel allow Electronic Cigarette Stores?

The City currently allows E-Cigarette or "vaporizer" stores, as long as they comply with all State and Federal laws concerning the "cigarettes" and their accessories, not the least of which is the "juice" being sold.