A general In-City Business License is for most businesses based in the City of La Mesa. The application cost is $35.00 for most businesses, plus $3.00 per employee working over 20 hours a week. Fees may vary by business type and for detailed fee information, please see the Business License Fee Schedule. This application can be submitted through the mail or in person. It is routed for approval through the Fire, Community Development (and occasionally Police) Departments. The process generally takes 4-8 weeks for the license to arrive to you in the mail.

The Fire Department requires an inspection of your business as part of the approval process.  Please contact the Fire Inspector for an inspection appointment after you have submitted a completed application, with fees, to the Business License Officer.  The Fire Inspector is available at 619.667.1470.