BUSINESS IN BURBANK

Business Services

The City of Burbank is committed to maintaining a thriving business community while upholding the high quality of life for its residents, businesses, and visitors. The Economic Development Team offers multiple services to provide dedicated and personalized customer service to our business community.

These services include:

  • Business Site Selection Assistance, including zoning verification,
  • Business Concierge Services for Permitting and Entitlement Process,
  • Marketing Support,
  • Regional Collaboration with local professionals, business, and social organizations,
  • And more!

For more information, please contact us at 818.238.5180 or econdev@burbankca.gov.

Consulting services in Burbank, CA

Start With a Business Plan

Start with creating a business plan. Information on how to create a business plan can be found on SCORE. Services are currently available virtually online Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11am - 2pm. Consulting services are by appointment only, to sign up for a 1-hour appointment, please visit: Burbank Score

Name Your Business

A fictitious business name (also known as a "DBA") is needed. Applications can be submitted at a Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk branch office.

LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk - General information about Fictitious Business Names.

Business Site Selection

The Economic Development Team provides assistance to help you find the right location for your business and verify zoning.

Please reach out to us directly at 818.238.5180 or E-mail us at econdev@burbankca.gov for assistance.

  • To download the updated citywide zone map, please click here.
  • To review the zoning use list, please click here.
  • For information on how to submit plans and applications, please click here.
  • To learn more about the application process, please click here.

Business Concierge 

Once you have secured a location, Economic Development has dedicated Business Concierge staff available to assist small and medium sized businesses with the permitting and entitlement process including business registration, licenses, monitoring departmental plan review status, permit issuance and inspection coordination. Contact our office at 818.238.5180 or email econdev@burbankca.gov.

  • If you are opening a business in Burbank, you need a business license or building permit.  Please visit the first floor of the Community Services Building at 150 N 3rd Street, or click here for more detailed information on starting your business.
  • General hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (closed 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm).
  • For Planning zoning approvals, counter service or consultations: 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., M - F.  If needed, our Business Concierge is available to assist you with coordinating an appointment during the above service hours.
  • For information on minor modifications to existing CUPs and AUPs, please click here
  • For information on Building permits for alterations, additions, remodeling, and tenant improvements, please click here.
  • For permits and forms, please click here.

NOTE: Construction projects that are Tier 2 or exceed the MEP thresholds are required to submit for formal plan check electronic review to the City's ProjectDox electronic review system. Projectdox allows architects, applicants, residents, and developers to submit plans for review electronically and 100% paperless.

Need help using ProjectDox? Start here! The videos below provide quick, step-by-step guidance to help you navigate the system with ease. You’ll also find Watch Video links throughout ProjectDox for on-the-spot help with specific features.

Featured Tutorials:

Information on ProjectDox, our electronic plan check system, is found below and check our Frequently Asked Questions handout for more information about ProjectDox.

Once you are ready to start your business, contact Burbank Water and Power (BWP) to get your electric and water services started by clicking here.

BWP offers rebates to ALL Burbank businesses that make energy-efficient retrofits at their facilities.

Start with a building energy assessment for energy-saving retrofits, and see if you qualify for Business Bucks or Business Rebate Programs.

Whether you are a smaller business or a national chain, BWP has programs that can help lower your power and water costs and contribute to a sustainable Burbank.

Please click here, call 818-238-3792, or email sustainability@burbankca.gov for more information.

When your Business is Established

The Economic Development team assists small businesses like mom-and-pop shops with advertising to support shopping local. In addition, we provide detailed marketing analysis assistance to businesses that are looking to expand in Burbank. E-mail econdev@burbankca.gov for more information.

Become a City Vendor

If you would like to become a vendor for the City of Burbank click here for more detailed information.

The Purchasing Division is responsible for:

  • Contracting firms for City construction projects
  • Hosting bids for all City purchases/contracts
  • Purchasing all goods, services, and equipment for City departments
  • Selling surplus City equipment at auction

Film Permits

To obtain a film permit and for more detailed information and permit forms, please click here.