Per City of La Mesa Municipal Code 6.04.050, it is the owner's responsibility to maintain the business license account at all times. The license is valid for 12 month increments and is due for renewal at the end of the 12 months.

Courtesy notices are mailed within the expiration month with a due date of 30 days after expiration. Licenses can be renewed by mail or in person at City Hall.  Please note that licenses can not be renewed online at this time. The renewal process usually takes 2-4 weeks, however it may take longer if the business address or products/services have changed. In the months of December, January and February approximate processing times are 2-8 weeks. Renewal licenses are printed and mailed once a week. If you do not receive your renewal notice, you may call us at 619.667.1118 to have a replacement mailed or faxed. Renewals submitted after their due date are subject to a penalty of 10% per month (not including processing/fire inspection fees).

Please review our annotated sample renewal form for commonly asked questions. 

Changes to business licenses must be requested in writing. Per 6.04.170 of the City of La Mesa Municipal Code, all changes require a $5.00 processing fee. For online submissions, please use the Business License Change to Account Request Form. To submit your change request in person at City Hall or by mail, include the $5.00 processing fee and the new application. The change may take between 2-4 weeks. If the business address or products/services that are offered have changed, you must submit a new application packet with all changes indicated. A change of address for an in-city business (not home occupation) requires that the license be re-approved by the Fire Department and Community Development Department.

If your business has closed or moved outside of the City, you need to close your business license. There is no processing fee associated with this request. To do this you must notify the City in writing. For online submissions, please use the Business License Change to Account Request Form. The closure request may also be submitted by fax to 619.667.1131 or mailed to City Hall. Please be sure to close all related county, state, and federal permits and licenses as well. Businesses that keep their State Seller's Permit or other permits open will be required to continue paying business license fees.