Starting a Business

Nestled between the beautiful trees of the green foothills and the bustling action of the lively Silicon Valley, the city of Los Altos is the ideal location to open any business. With seven unique shopping districts spanning our six square mile City, there is an ideal location for you.

If you are interested in starting a business in the city of Los Altos, you should reach out to the Economic Development team before you sign a lease in order to minimize delays and maximize operations. The Economic Development team will work as a liaison between the business owner and City staff.

Refer to the Los Altos Business Checklist below for a step-by-step guide to opening a business and specific scenarios based on your business type. 

For a more in-depth version, download the Business Resource Guide, which provides detailed information about the process and additional resources.

Step 1: Creating the Right Idea
  1. Decide on a brilliant business idea.
  2. Connect with City of Los Altos Economic Development at (650) 947-2620 or acarnesecca@losaltosca.gov for more detailed information about starting a business in Los Altos. It is crucial that you contact us early so that we can explain and assist you in meeting all requirements and open your business quickly!
  3. Develop a comprehensive business plan.
  4. Register a Fictitious Business Name with the Santa Clara County Clerk’s Office.
Category: Business Checklist
Step 2: Finding the Right Location
  1. Seek out potential locations for your business using a Commercial Real Estate Broker.
  2. Verify your business type is a permitted use in those locations with City of Los Altos Planning.
  3. If you plan to do any tenant improvements or construction, discuss all potential plans with:
    1. City of Los Altos Planning at (650) 947-2750
    2. City of Los Altos Building at (650) 947-2752
    3. City of Los Altos Engineering at (650) 947-2780
  4. Apply for formal Zoning Approval with City of Los Altos Planning.
  5. Sign lease with property owner for specific space. 
Category: Business Checklist
Step 3: Opening the Right Way
  1. Apply for a Business License from City of Los Altos Finance.
  2. If you are completing tenant improvements in the space and plan to create new signage, please apply for the necessary permits and complete all necessary inspections with:
    1. City of Los Altos Planning at (650) 947-2750
    2. City of Los Altos Building at (650) 947-2752
    3. City of Los Altos Engineering at (650) 947-2780
  3. Consider joining the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce and/or the Los Altos Village Association. 
  4. Schedule a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the City of Los Altos Economic Development Division.
  5. Open for business!
Category: Business Checklist
Key Resources & Contacts

Whether you are starting a new business or looking to expand an existing one, this section provides essential information and contact details to help you navigate the requirements and opportunities in the city of Los Altos. Below, you will find specific resources for various business types and key contacts who are ready to assist you with your business needs. If you have any additional questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Economic Development team.

Contact Economic Development at (650) 947-2620.

 

Specific Business Resources

Find essential information and contacts for various business types in Los Altos.

Category Description            Contact Information           
Alcohol Sales If your business involves the sale of beer, wine, or liquor, contact the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).                             

Phone: (408) 277-1200

Website: ABC Website
Massage Establishment If you plan to open a massage establishment, you must receive a permit from the city of Los Altos Police Chief prior to obtaining a business license.

Phone: (650) 947-2775

Email: codeenforcement@losaltosca.gov 
Mobile Vendor If you plan to sell any goods, services, food, or things of value from a vehicle along any street or sidewalk, you must receive a permit from the city of Los Altos Police Department prior to obtaining a business license.

Website/Application

Phone: (650) 947-2775

Email: codeenforcement@losaltosca.gov
Peddler and Solicitor If you plan to go house-to-house selling any goods or services, you must apply for a Solicitor and Peddler Application from the city of Los Altos Police Department prior to obtaining a business license.

Website/Application

Phone: (650) 947-2775
Restaurant

If your business will be selling food or beverages, you must apply for a Food Safe Application from the County of Santa Clara (SCC) Department of Environmental Health (prior to obtaining a business license.

If your business involves sales of beer, wine, or liquor, contact the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

Website: SCCGov Website

Website: ABC Website

Phone: (408) 277-1200
Selling Goods If you plan to sell any items through a retail establishment, apply for a Resale Certification from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration prior to obtaining a business license. Website

 

General Business Contacts

For any additional support or inquiries related to business operations in the City of Los Altos, please reach out to the relevant contacts listed below. 

Contact   Information 
City of Los Altos

Building: (650) 947-2752

Engineering: (650) 947-2780

Planning: (650) 947-2750

Police: (650) 947-2770
Los Altos Chamber of Commerce Phone: (650) 948-1455
Los Altos Village Association Phone: (650) 949-5282
NOVA Workforce Development Center Phone: (408) 730-7232
Silicon Valley SCORE Phone: (408) 453-6237
U.S. Small Business Development Center Phone: (408) 351-3602

 

 

 

Category: Business Checklist
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