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Success in business appears to require compromise to keep overhead low and profitability high. One such compromise is often made with regard to location. The opportunity to locate in a community with a quality environment is "traded" for the perceived cost savings of operating in a less desirable location. Happily, things are not always as they appear and perception is not always truth. La Verne is not only desirable but cost effective, demanding no compromises between a premium business location and affordability. And we have the facts to back us up! WE'VE PLANNED FOR BUSINESS
Businesses find that La Verne is more than just a pretty face - it's a city that has planned thoughtfully to maintain and enhance retail and commercial activity. Specific plans for the downtown area, San Polo Business Park, Foothill Boulevard and Arrow Highway, identify prime commercial parcels and have streamlined the approval processes for compatible projects. The city has an excellent track record for attracting and maintaining key successful commercial developments. Modern amenities and sound infrastructure complement La Verne's small town charm, creating an ideal environment in which to live and do business. PUBLIC SAFETY
La Verne's low crime rate not only provides invaluable protection for life and property, it lowers insurance rates and saves money for businesses located within the city limits. La Verne's own police and fire departments serve "their" community with unequalled pride and dedication. La Verne has one of the lowest crime ratings in the foothill area, reporting fewer Part I crimes (murder, rape, robbery, assault, theft) than 14 neighboring cities, with the second lowest overall crime rating among those same cities. La Verne's own police department has been instrumental in preserving the community's high quality of life. Not only is the department extremely effective in its law enforcement efforts, it is active in supporting a number of crime prevention programs such as the Driving Under the Influence (DUI) enforcement team, the La Verne Alcohol and Substance Abuse Task Force and motorcycle patrol. A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT
The traits that make La Verne a well-balanced residential community also spell success for its businesses. - Transportation options: La Verne is served by the 10, 210, and 57 freeways with the Route 30 freeway ending in La Verne. Major trucking centers and Ontario International Airport are less than 20 minutes away. Transportation also includes railroad, commuter rail plus Brackett Airport, one of the nation's busiest general aviation airports providing private, charter, corporate and recreational air services.
- Location: La Verne is 30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles and Orange County civic centers.
- Demographics: An affluent and active population provides a stable consumer market and has proven willing and able to financially support a productive and safe community.
- Sound Infrastructure: new curbs, street lights and sidewalks have revitalized downtown. An aggressive public works program keeps this mature community in excellent condition. The major thoroughfares, Arrow Highway and Foothill Boulevard, have been resurfaced and landscaped.
- Proactive Redevelopment Agency: has implemented more than 70 capital improvement projects and redeveloped more than 130 acres of commercial, residential and industrial property.
- Available Work Force: includes a wealth of professional and nonprofessional tradespersons. The majority of La Verne residents are between the ages of 20 and 50 and have a college education.
- Stable City Government: provides the leadership and support for La Verne's balanced economic growth will into the next century.
- Active Chamber of Commerce: is eager to support the relocation and development of new business.
- Operational Needs: Major utilities are available; all water and sewer systems are City controlled. The City has close and cordial working relationships with electrical, gas and telephone utilities.
- Knowledgeable and Accessible: city staff are capable of streamlining application and approval processes.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Educational opportunities include the acclaimed University of La Verne's undergraduate and graduate programs and 18 public and private schools. - Top quality housing in a variety of forms and price ranges. Single family homes range from historically registered early century houses to modern homes and condos.
- Recreation opportunities abound at 11 parks, an active Community Center, several golf courses and nearby Bonelli Regional Park.
- La Verne's sense of community belongs to all ages. Child care provisions for its youngest residents are built into the city's General Plan. Brethren Hillcrest Homes, a low level senior care facility was the first full service retirement community in the state to be nationally accredited.
WHY LA VERNE?
In making that tough call on where to open or relocate your business, keep in mind the following benefits that La Verne offers: - Application Assistance. Our economic development team will help prepare your application for the city;
- Speedy Response. We'll give you a definite time line for action, guaranteeing you a Planning Commission or City Council meeting, if needed, within 30 days of receiving a complete application;
- Access. We'll provide you direct access to key personnel including a project planner who will help coordinate your application with all other City departments and act as your liaison while dealing with outside agencies;
- One Stop Assistance. We offer a one stop counter in which planning, building, engineering, business license, and public works services are all immediately available;
- Incentives. We offer incentives including redevelopment agency assistance and will discount impact and development fees up to 30% for qualifying business.
FOR ASSISTANCE PLEASE CONTACT: - City of La Verne Community Development Dept (909) 596-8706, FAX:(909)596-8737
- La Verne Redevelopment Agency (909) 596-8706, FAX:(909) 596-8737
- La Verne Chamber of Commerce (909) 593-5265
- La Verne Business Improvement District (909) 593-6845
- San Polo La Verne Business Park (818) 814-9556
- Brethren Hillcrest Homes (909) 593-4917
- University of La Verne (909) 593-3511
ESTABLISHING AND CONDUCTING A BUSINESS IN LA VERNE
The following information is provided to assist persons interested in establishing and conducting a business in the City of La Verne. It is not warranted to be all inclusive. Any errors or omissions herein will not relieve the business owner of his/her responsibility, obligation or liability in fulfilling all legal requirements. WHO NEEDS A BUSINESS LICENSE?
Any individual, partnership, corporation or sole proprietor who wishes to conduct business within the City of La Verne must secure a business license. The La Verne Municipal Code states that it shall be unlawful for any person to transact and carry on any business trade, profession, calling or occupation in the city without first having procured a license from the city so to do or without complying with any and all applicable provisions. A separate license is required for each branch or location and for each separate type of business at the same location. BEFORE YOU APPLY
Contact the Business License Office to discuss the details of your particular business operation. Inquire about the Certificate of Use and Occupancy permit, city zoning requirements for your type of business and its planned location before signing a lease. This information may be obtained from the Community Development Department. In addition to obtaining the business license, you must also comply with all City, County and State regulations for zoning, building, health and safety. STEPS IN LICENSING
All sections of the business license application form should be completed. It is important to be specific in your business description. State whether your business is owned solely by you, a partnership, or a corporation. The names and home addresses of the owners and/or principal officers of the business must be listed. The application must be signed and all information should be clear and legible. BUSINESS LICENSE FEE
Your business license fee must be paid when the application is submitted. Contact the Business License Office for a fee schedule for your specific type of business. HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT APPLICATION
Every business conducted from a residence must have both a city business license and home occupation permit. The home occupation permit must be approved by the Community Development Department.
SIGN REGULATIONS
The City of La Verne has a sign ordinance. If you plan to install a new sign, or make changes in a sign which had been installed previously, please contact the Community Development Department before you design or erect any signs.
HANDBILL DISTRIBUTION AND SOLICITORS
Solicitors may go door to door in this city who have an approved permit to do so. No advertising handbills, circulars, etc. are to be placed on vehicles. DISPLAY OF BUSINESS LICENSE
All Business License Certificates must be posted in a conspicuous place upon the premises where the business is carried on. For those businesses not having a fixed business in the City of La Verne, the certificate must be physically carried on the person and presented upon request. BUSINESS LICENSE TRANSFERS
Business License Certificates are not transferable. The certificate becomes void when business ownership changes and must be reported. CHANGE OF BUSINESS ADDRESS IN THE CITY
To process a change of business address, advise the Business License Department in person or in writing of the address correction. A new Business License and Home Occupation application must be filed. EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL OF BUSINESS LICENSES
Your Business License Certificate expires on December 31, each year. Once you have obtained a license, a renewal notice will automatically be mailed to you before the expiration date. If you do not receive a renewal notice, please contact the Business License Office. Failure to receive a renewal notice does not relieve the business owners' responsibility of renewing the Business License. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT (DBA)
Contact the County Clerk's Office and your local newspaper for publication requirements. RETAIL SALES TAX NUMBER (SELLER'S PERMIT)
Contact the State Board of Equalization to determine if your business activity requires a resale number. Your records will be in their West Covina Office (626) 480-7200, but you may go to any office of the State Board of Equalization to start the process. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
If your establishment intends to serve alcoholic beverages, please contact the State of California Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. (626) 575-6901. PREPARATION AND/OR SALE OF FOOD
If your establishment intends to prepare and/or sell food of any type, contact the Los Angeles County Environmental Management Health Services. (626) 813-3360. PRESCHOOLS AND IN-HOME CHILD/CARE FACILITIES
Contact the State of California Community Care License Division for state requirements regarding preschools and in-home care facilities. (323) 981-3350. CONTRACTORS
Contact the State Contractors Licensing Board for information and requirement on how to become a State Licensed Contractor. (626) 815-8470. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Contact the Internal Revenue Service for an employer identification number. The IRS will provide a business kit, seminars for new businesses, additional information and forms. (800) 829-1040. - Contact the Franchise Tax Board if you intend to have employees or to obtain a form 540 for estimating state withholding tax for yourself. (800) 338-0505.
- Contact the State Department of Benefits Payment to obtain Employee ID's, withholding and unemployment insurance information and related forms. (626) 575-6751.
Contact the Small Business Administration which provides financial and management training to assist you in the operation of your business. (818) 552-3210.
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