Frequently Asked Questions

A building permit is required for most construction and interior improvements to a business.

Projects that Require a Permit:

• Additions or demolitions

• Alterations, including new interior walls or drop ceilings

• New plumbing lines and fixtures

• New electrical wiring or lighting fixtures

• Replacing or installing HVAC equipment

Projects that DO NOT Require a Permit:

• Installing carpeting

• Non-structural flooring (tile, laminate, and hardwood)

• Wallpapering and painting

Before you apply for a building permit, it is essential to check with the Planning Division.

This step ensures that your proposed business is permitted at your desired location and determines if a Conditional Use Permit is required.

To contact the Planning Division, please call 562-383-4100.

Building permit fees are based on the scope of your project. This includes factors such as:

• Job valuation for proposed construction 

• The size of the modified area

• The amount of plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work

• Whether a Conditional Use Permit is required

For an estimate of the costs, you must provide sufficient project details. Please contact the Building and Safety Division at 562-383-4116 or email buildingpermits@lahabraca.gov.

Permits can be obtained through the City's online portal or in person during counter hours, which are Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Submitting Plans for Review

Some building permits require plans. You, your contractor, or your designer must submit plans to the City's Building and Safety Division through the online portal. The complexity of your project will determine the required level of detail.

• For non-structural alterations (e.g., door and window replacements), a contractor can draw the plans.

• For structural modifications, plans and calculations must be submitted for review. It's often best to hire an experienced design professional for these projects.

Plan Review Process

1. A plan check fee will be collected.

2. The first review takes approximately two weeks.

3. You will receive a list of corrections to be made.

4. After revising the plans, resubmit them for verification.

Certain construction projects require plan review and inspection by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, which provides fire prevention and suppression services for the City of La Habra.

Projects requiring review include:

• Tenant improvements to buildings with fire sprinklers

• New or altered kitchen hood fire protection systems

• Spray and powder coating booths

• Removal or installation of underground flammable/combustible liquid storage tanks and related systems

• Photovoltaic systems covering 50% or more of the roof

Contact Information:

• For questions or services for the projects listed above, contact the local LA County Fire Department office at 562-691-9369. The office is located at 850 W La Habra Blvd.

• For new construction or major tenant improvements, contact the LA County Fire Prevention Headquarters at 323-890-4125.

• If you are unsure who to contact, please call La Habra Building and Safety at 562-383-4116.

Before applying for a building permit, certain projects require additional approvals from other agencies. These include:

• Conditional Use Permit (CUP): Required for businesses with zoning limitations. Contact the La Habra Planning Department to determine if your business needs a CUP at 562-383-4100.

• Orange County Health Care Agency: Required for businesses that prepare or serve food or drinks. Contact them at 714-433-6000 or visit their website at ochealthinfo.com.

• Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) License: Required for any business that sells alcoholic beverages. Contact the ABC at 714-558-4101 or visit their website at abc.ca.gov.

• South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD): A Notice of Demolition and asbestos survey must be filed with AQMD for the demolition of structures larger than 100 square feet. Permits are also required for various businesses and industries to ensure compliance with air quality rules. Contact AQMD at 909-396-2000 or visit their website at aqmd.gov.

• Preliminary Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP): Required for discretionary review projects before a building permit is issued. Contact the La Habra Engineering Division at 562-383-4151 to learn what type of WQMP your project needs.

For a comprehensive list of permits your business may require, visit the State's helpful CalGOLD website at calgold.ca.gov.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits the exclusion of people with disabilities from public accommodations. This includes most private businesses that provide goods or services to the public, such as stores, restaurants, theaters, hotels, and more.

ADA Compliance Requirements:

If you own, operate, lease, or lease to a business that serves the public, you must comply with ADA regulations and accommodate individuals with disabilities. This includes:

• New Construction and Features: All new building features must meet current architectural accessibility requirements. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Parking stalls and loading lanes

  • Curb ramps and path of travel

  • Sales counter heights

  • Door hardware and restroom layouts

• Existing Buildings (California Law): The California Building Code requires that a minimum of 20% of tenant improvement construction costs (exclusive of accessibility upgrades) be used to upgrade existing building features to be more accessible.

Need an Evaluation?

Consider consulting with a design professional who has specific expertise, such as a Certified Access Specialist (CASp). The CASp program is regulated by the California Division of the State Architect.

For further questions regarding ADA compliance, please contact us at 562-383-4116.

The best way of determining the appropriateness of street, driveway entrances, utilities, and their locations is to contact the Engineering Division at 562-383-4151.

Businesses involved in food preparation and processing must comply with the Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) program, which is managed by the City’s Public Works Department.

Depending on the amount of FOG your business generates, a grease interceptor or a grease trap will likely be required.

For more information on the FOG program, please contact the Public Works Utilities Manager at 562-383-4170.

Before hiring a contractor or signing a contract, please visit the Contractors State License Board’s (CSLB) website www.cslb.ca.gov or call 800-321-2752.

Look up a contractor license to verify information, including complaint disclosure, and learn how to hire the right type of licensed contractor for your job.

The City requires periodic inspections to ensure your project complies with approved plans and building code standards. The building inspector works to ensure the safety of your business and building.

Inspection Process:

• Before covering any work, call to request an inspection at 562-383-4116. Inspections are conducted Monday-Thursday. 

• Inspection requests must be made by 4:00 p.m. one business day in advance.

Final Payment & Sign-off:

• It is advised that you do not make the final payment to your contractor until the City has conducted and signed off on the building permit.

• Your contractor should provide you with the original signed-off inspection card.

• To verify a sign-off, you or your contractor can contact the Building & Safety Division at 562-383-4116.

Most businesses require a City business license. To determine if a business license is required, please call the City of La Habra Business License Division at 562-383-4058. Counter hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., City Hall is closed every Friday. 

A home-based business requires a Home Occupation Permit Application (HOPA), with a one time fee as specified in the Master Fee Schedule. The HOPA must be approved by Planning Division. If your HOPA is approved, you will be issued an approval number, and you must then apply for a City Business License. You can fill-up the application online, pick up an application at City Hall Cashier's window or contact the Planning Division at 562-383-4100.

The cashier is available to take payments at City Hall. City Hall is located at 110 East La Habra Boulevard, City Hall counter hours are Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., City Hall is closed every Friday. You can also mail in your payment and application to:

City of La Habra - Business License

P.O. Box 785

La Habra, CA 90633-0785

Every new business in La Habra must go through an approval process before we can issue the business license certificate. Please call the City of La Habra Business License Division if you would like to check on the status of your application at 562-383-4058 or email Business License.

If you have further questions regarding a Home Occupation Permit Application (HOPA), please call the Planning Division at 562-383-4100.

The business license application is a general application for every business in the City of La Habra. Only fill out the questions and fees that apply to your business. If you need assistance, please call City of La Habra Business License Division at 562-383-4058 or email Business License.

A business license is not transferable. The license is terminated when business ownership changes. Please advise the Business License Division should you sell your business for any reason. The new owner will be responsible for obtaining his/her own business license.

Rates vary according to the type of business. Please call City of La Habra Business License Division at 562-383-4058 for the current fees for your type of business.

The City of La Habra Business License Division can be reached at 562-383-4058 Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., City Hall is closed every Friday. You can also download an application from our website.

City Hall is located at 110 East La Habra Boulevard and counter hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., City Hall is closed every Friday. The major cross streets are Euclid and La Habra Boulevard. City Hall parking lot is on First Street (corner of Euclid). 

Before starting your business, contact the Planning Division to verify that your business is permitted at your desired location. You should do this before you sign any lease or spend money on a property. A quick review of the zoning requirements is a critical first step that can save you a lot of time and money.

You can reach the Planning Division staff at 562-383-4100. For additional resources on starting your business, you can also visit the La Habra Chamber of Commerce.

Yes, some businesses need a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). This type of permit is required for businesses that may have a greater impact on their surrounding area, such as those with increased traffic, noise, or large numbers of people.

Businesses that commonly require a CUP include:

• Restaurants

• Gyms, dance studios, or karate studios

• Shops that sell alcohol

• Car dealerships and repair services

• Outdoor businesses

Additionally, if you plan to make major renovations to a commercial building, you may need a Design Review approval.

To find out if your business requires a special permit, please contact the Planning Division staff at 562-383-4100.

You should first determine what permits, if any, are needed for your business. Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) are required for businesses that may have a greater impact on the surrounding area.

To find out if your business requires a CUP:

1. Determine your property's land use zone. You can get this information from the Planning Division.

2. Consult the Land Use Matrix in the city's Zoning Code. This document will show you if your business is permitted "by right," requires a CUP, or is not allowed at all.

What if my business isn't listed?

• If your business isn't in the matrix, you'll need to contact the Planning Division for a determination.

• For interior building improvements, contact the Building & Safety Division to see if you need permits.

• For exterior improvements, check with the Planning Division to ensure the changes don't violate the Zoning Code.

It is highly recommended that you do not sign a lease until you have confirmed with the city that your business is permitted on the property.

Securing a CUP approval is an important first step. By doing so, you are fulfilling the City’s land use and zoning requirements, but you may also need to check with other city departments/agencies before commencing business operations.

Please anticipate having to do the following:

• Obtain a business license approval from the City.
• Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the City’s Building and Safety Division. In order to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy, you may need to first submit an interior tenant improvement plan to Building and Safety. To contact Building and Safety, you can call 562-383-4116 or visit the City’s website at: www.lahabraca.gov/205/Building-Safety
• Obtain all required approval(s) from other outside agencies (i.e. LA County Fire, Orange County Public Health, Cal Trans, etc.)
• Obtain clearances from all City departments that you have successfully complied with all of your required CUP conditions of approval. Compliance is typically demonstrated by providing written documentation and/or scheduling an inspection. Contact your case planner by calling 562-383-4100 if you have questions regarding any CUP conditions.

Yes, it is expected that each new business location provides the minimum number of on-site parking spaces required for each business operation. Your business operation may not be approved if you are unable to comply with the City’s minimum parking requirements.

To view the City’s parking requirements, go to:

City of La Habra, CA OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS

If you are locating within a multi-tenant building and/or shopping center, staff will need to calculate and review the required parking for each land use. If your business location is under parked, you may want to see if shared parking opportunities are available through a parking/reciprocal access agreement with another property owner. Also consider if you are able to apply for a Conditional Use Permit in order to allow for a parking reduction. If you would like to request a parking reduction, you may be asked to provide a parking study prepared by a licensed Traffic Engineer. To view the City’s Parking Impact Study Guidelines, go to:

https://lahabraca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15555/City-of-La-Habra---Parking-Impact-Study-Guidelines

Yes, you can hold an outdoor event, but you must first get a Special Event Permit. These permits are granted up to four times per year and are categorized as either "small" or "large" events.

• Small Special Events: These events, such as grand openings or holiday sales, can last for up to four consecutive days. The permit application must be submitted to the Planning Division at least 30-45 days before the event.

• Large Special Events: Events like car shows, street fairs, or food festivals require an application to be submitted at least 90 days in advance. These types of events also need to be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission.

Applications for both small and large events can be found on the Planning Division's webpage or at the front counter. You can submit your application through the City's online portal.

If you have any questions, please contact the Planning Division staff.

Your business will likely need a grease interceptor if it handles or cooks food. These devices are required to prevent grease from entering the sewer system, where it can cause significant blockages.

The type of grease interceptor you need depends on how much grease your business is expected to produce.

To find out the specific requirements for your business, you should contact the Water Division within the Public Works Department at 562-383-4170.

In the City of La Habra, every business is required to have a valid business license to operate legally. The only exceptions are businesses specifically exempted by the State of California.

You can obtain a business license application and pay the required fees through the Business License Division.

For more information, contact the Business License Division at 562-383-4050.

Yes, you may need city approval, depending on the type of changes you plan to make.

• For interior improvements: If you are making any alterations, such as adding or removing walls, or changing the electrical or plumbing systems, you will need to contact the Building Division at 562-383-4116 to determine if a permit is required. Simply moving in furniture typically does not require a permit.

• For exterior improvements: You should contact the Planning Division to ensure your plans do not violate the Zoning Code.

We encourage you to contact us early in the process. We are here to help you address any challenges and get your business up and running as efficiently as possible.

The type and size of permanent signs you can use are regulated by the City Municipal Code and are determined by the zoning of your business location.

Additionally, some properties have a specific Sign Program, which outlines a set of rules and restrictions for all businesses within that location. If a Sign Program exists for your property, you must follow its guidelines.

Please note that building permits are required before you can install any signs.

To determine the size and type of sign allowed for your business, and to find out if a Sign Program exists for your property, please consult with the Planning Division staff.

Temporary signs are strictly regulated. The most common type of temporary sign permitted is a banner.

• A banner can be displayed for up to 30 days at a time, for a maximum of 3 times per year.

• The size of a banner is limited to 45 square feet, or a maximum of 3 feet by 15 feet.

A banner permit must be obtained from the Planning Division or the City website before you can install the banner.

Other types of temporary signs, such as flags, inflatables, pennants, streamers, strobe lights, and moving or human display signs, are generally not permitted.

If you have questions about temporary signage, please consult with the Planning Division staff.

No, signs are not permitted on public property.

This includes:

• The public right-of-way (e.g., sidewalks and parkways between the sidewalk and the street)

• Public structures such as power poles, sign poles, and utility boxes.

The use of human display signs is also prohibited.

To apply for a permit, you must visit the Community Center and complete a Request to Use a Public Facility form. Once you have completed the form, the party rental business that will provide the jumper must provide proof of insurance naming the City of La Habra as additionally insured for $1,000.000. Proof can be provided via email or in person. Once we have received the proof of insurance, we will attach it to your permit application and contact you by phone to let you know your permit is ready to be picked up at the Community Center. You must have the permit with you on the day of the party.

There are many ways an individual, corporation or foundation can give to the Museum. Please contact the Friends of the Children's Museum at dbrooks@lahabracity.com or call (562) 383-4242.

Please visit our website and fill out the records request form. Please allow 10 business days for you to receive your request. 

The number and type of signs you can have for your business depend on your location's zoning and whether there's an established sign program for the property. These regulations are detailed in the La Habra Municipal Code, Chapter 18.23.

To determine what's permitted for your business, we strongly recommend you contact the Planning Division. They can tell you your property's zoning designation and if a sign program is already in place.

Sign Permit Requirements

All business permanent signs require a permit issued by the Building & Safety Division. For questions about the sign permit process, please contact the Building & Safety Division at 562-383-4116.

The two most common code violations for new businesses are related to trash and debris and business licenses. All businesses must maintain their property and have an active City of La Habra business license.  

Discarded Trash and Debris Violations

Business License

All businesses in the City of La Habra must obtain a business license before operating a business.

Businesses are required to maintain their landscaping. To avoid a violation, make sure you have an ongoing maintenance plan and:

• Keep plants trimmed: Don't let bushes or trees grow into sidewalks or public areas.

• Remove dead vegetation: Pull out weeds and replace dead or barren plants.

A well-maintained landscape can positively affect your property's value and the community's image.

Discarded Trash and Debris Violations

All properties must be kept clean and orderly. To avoid a violation, ensure that all trash, junk, and debris are removed promptly. This includes items like broken furniture, old appliances, or any other unusable items left outside. Regularly monitoring your property (at least once a day) will help prevent this issue. Keeping your property free of trash is also important for public safety, as it prevents fire hazards and keeps rodents away.

In La Habra, temporary signs are permitted with certain restrictions. Here's what you need to know:

• What is a temporary sign? In most cases, a temporary sign is a banner.

• How many banners can I have? You are allowed one banner for up to 30 days. This can be done up to three times per year, with a minimum of 30 days between each permit.

• Where can I place it? The banner must be attached to an exterior building wall, located below the eave or parapet and cannot be attached to any landscaping.

• Are "human signs" allowed? No, "human signs" (people holding or wearing signs) are not permitted.

For more details, you can review the La Habra Municipal Code, Section 18.23.090.

To obtain a temporary sign permit, contact the Planning Division at 562-383-4100 or visit the City's online portal .

Yes, you can run a business from your home, provided you obtain a Home Occupation Permit. This permit is required for any small business operated from a residence in La Habra.

Home Business Requirements

To be approved for a permit, a home business must meet several criteria to ensure it doesn't negatively impact the neighborhood:

• No Impact: The business cannot create noise, odors, or cause an increase in vehicle or pedestrian traffic.

• Signage: No exterior signs are allowed to identify the location as a business.

• Personnel: No more than two persons other than a member of the immediate family occupying such dwelling shall be employed.

If you want to start a home-based business and have more questions, contact the City at 562-383-4134.

Basic and Discovery Tours are both 90 minutes long. Our Basic Tour includes a guided tour by one of our trained staff members through five galleries. Our Discovery Tour includes a 60-minute guided gallery tour, followed by a 30-minute STEM themed hands-on activity.

Tours run in increments of 30 minutes. Tour start times are 9:30 am, 10:00 am, 10:30 am, and 11 am.

Our maximum capacity is 35 guests in total, which includes both children and adults. If your group exceeds 35 guests, please be aware that you will need to book additional tours to accommodate your numbers.

The Children's Museum is attached to Portola Park. We have a large grass area right outside the Museum, as well as a public playground behind the building where the students can play or eat a snack/lunch. This is also a wonderful time to take photos by our Dino Garden or the front of the Museum. Additionally, we offer Tour Add-Ons at an additional cost, which provide a 30-minute activity that aligns with any of our tours.

We offer 2 fun STEM-related Tour Add-Ons. Each activity is 30 minutes and is led by a museum staff member. Tour Add-Ons are fun and educational activities that connect with any one of our tour themes, and take place before or after your tour.

• Animal Track Mold Making: Let’s play animal detective! Wildlife can be elusive, but we still learn a lot from the marks they leave behind. Students will play the “Whose Foot?” game, then make their own animal track with Model Magic to take home. $5/student.
• Mobile Museum: Our Mobile Museum is a STEAM-based, portable learning experience. Using our Rig a Ma Jig engineering set, ramp wall, puppet theater, sensory table, and other elements, students will be able to flex their creativity, problem solving, and social-emotional skills. $3/student.

We do not allow food or drinks inside the Museum. However, we are attached to Portola Park with a number of picnic tables available for your group to use.

We do our best to accommodate classrooms. We close our Family Art Center to the public and use it as a waiting area for your group.

Unfortunately no. We require a non-refundable deposit in order to hold your group's spot.

Birthday parties are only available on Friday's, Saturday's and Sunday's during their designated time slots.

Package A: Birthday Celebration

• Saturday: 1 PM - 3 PM
• Sunday: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Package B: Birthday Bash Blowout

• Saturday: 11 AM - 2 PM, 12 PM - 3 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Package C: Private Birthday Celebration

• Friday: 4 PM - 7 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 5 PM - 8 PM
• Sunday: 10 AM - 1 PM

Package A: Birthday Celebration -  $500.00 for 2 (two) hours and an additional 30 minutes before to set up and 30 minutes after for clean-up.

Package B: Birthday Bash Blowout -  $700.00 for 3 (three) hours and an additional 30 minutes before to set up and 30 minutes after for clean-up.

Package c: Private Birthday Celebration -  $1200.00 for 3 (three) hours and an additional 1 hour before to set up and 30 minutes after for clean-up.

Package A: Birthday Celebration - 25 guests (ages 2 and up)

Package B: Birthday Bash Blowout - 40 guests (ages 2 and up)

Package C: Private Birthday Celebration - 55 guests (ages 2 and up)

Yes, each birthday package allows a max of 15 additional guests at the party planner's expense of $12 per person.

Yes, you may bring outside food and beverages. All food items must remain in the birthday party room at all times. Alcohol is not allowed at any time on Museum property.

Yes, you may order catering to be delivered however, you must be onsite to receive it. Any and all on site caters (ie. taco man) MUST be pre-approved by the Birthday Coordinator. Business insurance of the cater must be provided prior to the birthday date.

Yes, every birthday party guest is granted entry into The Children's Museum for the day.

A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve the desired birthday party date. Cash, checks and major credit cards are acceptable forms of payment. Checks payable to The Children's Museum at La Habra are accepted. Cancellations made with less than 1 month's notice will result in a loss of the entire deposit. Cancellations made with more than a month's notice will result in a 50% loss of the deposit.

Every guest entering the Museum must sign a liability waiver before entering into our galleries. Enhanced cleaning protocols include frequent disinfecting of all high-touch surfaces before, during and after your visit. An increased number of hand sanitizing dispensers and Sanitation Stations for personal cleaning are located throughout Museum galleries.

Parents/ legal guardians are responsible for their children at all times.

No, all children MUST be accompanied by their own parent or legal guardian.

Yes, each birthday package has a designed 30 minute time slot for set-up before the party start time.

All third party vendors MUST be pre-approved by the Birthday Coordinator and business insurance is required prior to the birthday date.

6 rectangular tables for seating with 6 chairs per table and 2 rectangular tables for presents and cake.

Yes, you will have up to 30 minutes of set-up time to decorate for your birthday party. You are responsible for supplies such as tape and scissors. We only allow scotch tape or easily removable command strips on the walls. You are responsible for clean up and any damages made to the party room.

Party dates should be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance. We highly recommend reserving sooner to ensure you receive the day you prefer.

Yes, the initial admission you paid may be used towards any of our membership tiers. However, this offer is only available on the day you purchase admission.

Memberships last for one year from the day of purchase or activation.

Yes, you may upgrade your membership at anytime. Please note that upgrading will require you to pay the difference between your current membership and the membership you wish to upgrade to, and it does not extend the length of your membership.

The number of guests permitted into the Museum depends on the membership tier you decide to purchase. Each membership tier allows admission for a certain number of guests per visit.

Conductor allows admission for the Cardholder (or additional user) and 1 guest

Caboose allows admission for the Cardholder (or additional user) and 3 guests

Engineer allows admission for the Cardholder (or additional user) and 5 guests

Freight allows admission for the Cardholder (or additional user) and 9 guests

Unfortunately no. Cardholders and additional users must be 18 years of age or older. Children are considered a guest under each membership.

An additional user is anyone that is granted access by the main cardholder to use their membership when they are absent. At each visit, either the main cardholder or the additional user must be present.

Each membership only offers one additional user aside from the main cardholder. The additional user can be switched to someone else only once per year.

Unfortunately no. The additional user must be 18 years of age or older. Children are considered a guest under each membership.

The Children's Museum at La Habra is a proud participant in the ASTC program, or Association of Science and Technology Centers, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to increasing the understanding of and engagement with science and technology among all people. Under the ASTC program, participating museums offer free admission for members of other participating museums. Please be advised that the museum you would like to visit MUST be outside of a 90 mile radius from your home membership.