Norwalk City Hall streamlines business licensing and fosters local economic growth

Before starting a business in Norwalk, aspiring entrepreneurs must register a DBA with the county registrar recorder's office and obtain a seller's permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. To apply for a business license, applicants can visit Room 5 at Norwalk City Hall or download the application from the city’s website. City staff are available to assist with the process, ensuring all required forms are completed and fees paid.

Norwalk is committed to fostering economic growth and innovation. This year, the city introduced an electronic submission process for public services, paving the way for a future virtual city hall. Community development has expanded its team, hiring an in-house plan checker and increasing the number of city building inspectors to four, which has significantly sped up plan reviews.

In addition to business support, the city has been proactive in addressing housing needs. The housing authority issued 141 Section 8 housing choice vouchers and provided over $9 million in housing assistance payments to an average of 612 participants. The city also assisted 128 households with legal aid and conflict resolution through the Fair Housing Foundation, and 19 households at risk of homelessness received security deposit assistance.

Economic development is on the rise, with new investments from Tesla, Raising Cane's, and Veterans Villas on San Antonio Drive. The openings of Milagro Cinemas, Mountain Mike's Pizza, and California Fish Grill in 2024 highlight Norwalk's dedication to creating a vibrant business environment. These initiatives are shaping a brighter future for the community, emphasizing Norwalk's commitment to innovation and economic opportunity.