Business Licensing
The City of Bell partnered with HDL to administer the City's business license program. For further questions, please contact HDL (424) 332-5675. Renewal and license fees depend on business type and/or gross sales of the business.
HDL Information
Support Center: (424) 332-5675
Email: bell@hdlgov.com
Website: bell.hdlgov.com
Processing Center: 8839 N Cedar Ave #212
Fresno, CA 93720
Steps to Obtaining a New Business License
- To start the Business License process: first, email the Planning Division to planningdivision@cityofbell.org to obtain preliminary clearance. Please include in your email the business name, business type, owner's information, and desired business address. We strongly recommend not to lease a location without obtaining preliminary clearance beforehand.
- Next, submit an application via HDL: bell.hdlgov.com
- After the Planning Division has issued an approval, the business license clerk will route your application to Building and Safety, Code Enforcement, and Fire Department to coordinate for inspections.
- Once all inspections are completed and all documentation has been reviewed and approved, you will receive your business license via email or mail by HDL.
Contractor Licenses
Please apply for a contractor’s license directly with HDL, either online or by phone.
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
TOT is a tax imposed on guests who rent a property, or a portion of a property, for the purpose of lodging on a short-term basis (30 consecutive days, or less). TOT is collected in addition to the rent that is paid. To file and pay TOT, please submit online. For further assistance, you may contact HDL by phone or email: BellTOT@hdlgov.com
Other Services for Business Licenses
For more information in regard to change of ownership, change of address, change of business name, home occupancies, closure of a business license, one-time licenses, gardeners, vehicles, street vendors, vending machines, city consultants, rentals, and license renewals, please contact HDL or the Business License Clerk (323) 923-2604.
Other Agency Resources
Fictitious Business Name Filing (DBA)
L.A. County Clerk
12400 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 462-2177
Sellers Permit/Sales Tax Number
State Board of Equalization
1521 W. Cameron, West Covina 91790
(626) 480-7200
State Contractors License Board
(800) 321-2752
Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
U.S. Small Business Administration
330 N. Brand #1200, Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 552-3215
State Department of Consumer Affairs
(800) 952-5210
Internal Revenue Service
9350 E. Flair Dr, El Monte CA 91731
(626) 312-5138 (to file for EIN)
Secretary of State
300 S. Spring St.
LA, CA 90013 (213) 897-3062
(to file for Corporation, LLC, LLP, Partnership, etc.)