FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Building & Safety
Business License
Law Enforcement - Police
Senior Citizens
Dog Licensing
Artesia Library
I Just Moved Here
Street Lights
Traffic Lights
Illegally Parked Cars
Report Graffiti

Yard Sales

Building & Safety

What is the process for filing a Planning Application?

Before an official application is filed, it is suggested that you meet with a Planner to discuss the specific details of your proposed project. In this pre-application meeting, a Planner will explain zoning requirements applicable to your proposed project, and provide you with information with respect to the application process. The Planning Department can assist you to help you better understand the application process. No appointment is necessary to meet with a Planner during counter hours which are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and on Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

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When is a "Variance" application required?

A Variance application is required whenever an aspect of a proposed project does not conform to the development standards for the zone. Variance applications require review by the Planning Commission and City Council.

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What is a "Conditional Use Permit"?

Certain uses are "conditionally permitted" in the zone in which they are proposed. A Conditional Use Permit is required to ensure that a proposed use will not be detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the community. Conditional Use Permit applications require review by the Planning Commission and City Council.

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What types of projects require a Development Review Board approval?

All new construction and exterior alterations for buildings located in Commercial, Industrial, or Multi-Family residential zones require Development Review Board approval prior to obtaining a building permit. The Development Review Board will review the proposal to ensure that the proposed project will not be detrimental to the character of the zone that is located in and that the exterior architectural design will be consistent with the development already constructed or in the course of construction on or in the vicinity of the site. The Development Review Board meets the 4th Tuesday of each month. Decisions made by the Development Review Board are final unless appealed to the City Council.

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What are "Development Standards"?

Development Standards" are established for each zone in the City that provide specific standards such as the required setback of buildings, maximum height, parking, landscaping requirements, and other development guidelines. You may request a copy of the development standards for a particular zone by contacting the Planning Department at (562) 865-6262.

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What is a Site Plan?

A site plan shows all existing and proposed uses and buildings on a parcel of land. A site plan identifies the measurements of the lot, location and size of existing and proposed structures, lot coverage, amount of parking spaces, landscaped areas, location of trash enclosures, loading areas, fences and walls, and easements. A site plans must be legible, drawn to scale, and fully dimensioned.

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What are Elevation Plans?

An elevation plan is a drawing that shows the exterior walls of a building from grade (ground level) to the highest point of a building, and identifies existing and proposed colors and materials of the exterior of the building(s). Elevation plans must be legible, drawn to scale, and fully dimensioned.

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What is a Floor Plan?

A floor plan is a drawing that shows the interior of a building and identifies general room arrangements, room sizes, type and use of rooms, and location of doors and windows. Floor plans must be legible, drawn to scale, and fully dimensioned.

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How many copies of plans are required?

The number of plans that are required depends on the type of planning application you will be submitting. If your proposal can be reviewed administratively and reviewed over the counter by the Planning Department, you will be required to submit a total of three (3) sets of plans to the Planning Department before you apply for building permits.

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Business License

Who needs to apply for a business license?

An individual, partnership, or corporation who advertises or announces a business and/or intends to conduct or is conducting a business, either directly or indirectly is required to obtain a business license.

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What type of business license application do I need?

There are three types of business license applications: retail, professional, and contractor/out of town service. Businesses that sell to the public and wholesale businesses need to submit a retail application. Professional businesses, such as accountants, doctors, escrow services, etc., need to submit a professional application. Contractors, sub-contractors and persons not having a fixed place of business in the city but provide a service by the use of a vehicle need to submit a contractor.

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What forms must be submitted when I apply for a business license?

Each form in the business license packet must be submitted along with the business license application. In addition, a plot plan and a floor plan of the business must be included (refer to the filing procedure form for specific details).

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How long will it take to process my business license application?

A business license application will be processed in approximately two weeks providing the Business License location complies with Cities Planning and Zoning Codes. Please make sure to provide all the requested information to prevent any delays in the processing of your application.

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If the business is only changing owners not operations do I still need a license?

Yes. When a business transfers ownership, the new owners must apply for a business license. Business Licenses are not transferable.

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How much does my business license cost?

Business License fees are payable once the business license application is approved. For most businesses fees are based on estimated gross receipts. Please refer to your business license packets for the fee schedule.

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When does my business license expire?

All business licenses expires at the end of the calendar year. Renewal applications are mailed to businesses who have a current business license. If you do not received your renewal application by the end of November, contact the Business License Division at (562) 865-6262 to request an application. Please note that it is the business applicant's responsibility to renew his/her business license before the end of the calendar year.

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What are the consequences of not renewing my license?

If a business license is not renewed by the end of the calendar year, applicants are given a grace period until January 31. After January 31 a penalty of 15% of the tax fee is assessed. Thereafter, an additional 10% penalty is assessed each month, until penalties reach 50% of the tax fee.

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What type of businesses need to obtain a permit before applying for a business license?

Businesses involved in the following operations need to first obtain a permit before applying for a business license: acupressure establishments, acupressurists, adult content, advertising by sound trucks, amusements (circuses, menageries, tent shows, theatricals, and vaudeville shows), auction sales, entertainment, dance halls, fortune-telling, late night early morning operations (businesses operating between 12:00a.m. midnight and 6:00 a.m.), massage parlors, and taxi cabs or vehicles for hire. Please contact the Business License Officer, Maria Ourique at (562) 865-6262, extension 258 to request a permit application.

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Can I request a list of businesses licensed in the City?

A list of businesses licensed in the City can be provided upon request. A request may be made by completing a request form. The form can be downloaded or you may call the Business License Division at (562) 865-6262, extension 258 to request the form. Fees may apply.

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Law Enforcement - Police

Which Sheriff's Station does the City of Artesia contract with?

Los Angeles County Lakewood Sheriff's Station
5130 North Clark Avenue
Lakewood, CA 90712
(562) 866-9061

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Senior Citizens in Artesia

Is there a Senior Center in Artesia?

Senior Citizens Club
18750 Clarkdale Avenue
Artesia, CA 90701
Phone: (562) 860-3361

Where can I find out more about Artesia's Senior Services?

Click Here

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Dog Licensing

Where can I obtain a Dog License?


Animal Care & Control
11258 S. Garfield Avenue
Downey, CA
(562) 940-6898

Every person owning or having custody of any dog four (4) months of age or older must license the dog within 15 days of acquisition or 15 days after the license becomes due. Proof of a California approved rabies vaccination is needed to obtain a license. Cat licensing is not mandatory in Los Angeles County. Discounted licensing fees are offered for sterilized dogs with a copy of a sterility certificate signed by a veterinarian licensed to practice in the State of California.

Senior citizen discount fees are offered with proof of dog’s sterility certificate and a copy of any document showing the birth date of the person, i.e., Driver’s License, California ID, birth certificate. Only one (1) senior citizen license discount allowed per household. No charge license is provided for guide dogs with proof of certification. All licenses must be renewed annually.

          You can also obtain a dog license at City Hall.  Ask the receptionist.  

 
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Artesia Library

Where is the City's main library?

Friends of Artesia Library
18722 Clarkdale Avenue
Artesia, CA 90701

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I just moved here...

I just moved here...Who do I call to turn on my utilities?

Southern California Edison- 800-655-4555
Southern California Gas Company- 800-427-2200
Verizon Telephone Service- 800-483-1000
Trash Company- 562-946-6441
Cable- 877-505-1278
Cable- Hotline- 323-993-8149
Southern California Water Company 562-865-2111 for most of the City.
If you don't belong to SCWC, please call County Water at 562-926-2311 or Park Water Company at 562-923-9671

Here's the Artesia List of Contacts for more information

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Street Light Repairs (for street lighting)

 

How do I report a light that is out on my street?

Call Southern California Edison to repair the lights. California Tariff regulations require Edison to fix the problem within 72 hours. When reporting street lights needing repair provide an address of the location. For example, if the light is outside your property, give them your address; or if it is at an intersection, tell them the intersection. Calling Edison is the fastest way to resolve the problem.


If the street light is not repaired by the fourth day from the day that you reported it to the Edison or City Hall, please contact City Hall and your request will be followed up to ensure Edison repairs the street light. As an added service to our residents, you could call City Hall with the complaint of non-working street lights, but the Edison Company has advised that it may be more efficient to report the matter directly to them.


The number for Southern California Edison’s number is (800) 611-1911.
The number for City Hall is (562) 865-6262.

For more information, call (562) 865-6262 ext. 223.

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Traffic Lights (red, yellow, green)

How do I report a street traffic light that is out?

You can call the City's Public Works department at the number provided above or submit an online request to the City by using the link provided below.

18747 Clarkdale Avenue
Artesia, California 90701
562-865-6262

Street Light Repairs
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Illegally Parked Cars

How do I report a car that is illegally parked?

All abandoned or illegally parked vehicles must be reported to the Code Enforcement department. Please complete the request form by clicking on the link below to submit a request for action.

Illegal Parking Report
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Report Graffiti

How do I report graffiti??

Please complete a request form by clicking the link below and make sure you report the exact location of the graffiti, i.e., on bench at park, on side of wall and street name. (You may also call Artesia City Hall 562-865-6262).

Graffiti Removal Form
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Yard Sale

How do I apply for a yard sale permit?

CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS ON YARD AND GARAGE SALES

 

  1. Only one permit shall be issued during any six month period for a yard or garage sale at the same location.
  2. Only used property may be displayed or offered for sale at the yard sale.
  3. No sign or other form of advertisement of the yard or garage sale shall be placed upon any public property with in the City nor upon any property other than the authorized location of the sale.
  4. Two signs only, each not exceeding six feet in area, may be placed in front or side yard of the authorized location of the yard and garage sale.  The signs shall be placed at least five feet from the property line.
  5. DURATION OF THE PERMIT: The permit shall be valid for a period not to exceed three consecutive days.
 

          To return application to City Hall, either fax or scan the signed application. Please provide a copy of your ID card and proof of residency in the City of Artesia (i.e. a utility bill showing address).  Email the copies to reception@cityofartesia.us or fax to (562) 865-6240.

 
 
Yard Sale Permit Application