California note
In Los Angeles County, check whether the address is inside a city
Los Angeles County has 88 cities and large unincorporated areas, so the address decides whether city or county offices handle the local work.
Los Angeles County is not the same government as the City of Los Angeles. The county has 88 cities. It also has a large area outside those cities. County offices give local services to that land.
Do not trust the mailing city alone. LA County says county land may use a nearby city in the mailing address. Use the county’s Jurisdiction Lookup for the exact property. If it says unincorporated, LA County Planning is the planning office. The Board of Supervisors also fills the local role of a city council.
If the result names a city, start with that city’s planning or building office. Save the result. Note the parcel number and county district before you call. This check can keep a permit, code complaint, road issue, or hearing request from going to the wrong office.
Official sources
Official pages
Reviewed July 27, 2026
Current rules, forms, fees, deadlines, maps, and office instructions.
Rules, forms, fees, deadlines, and office procedures can change. Check the current page before you file, pay, or rely on a date.
Connected places
Open the local directory
Related notes
Related California notes
Santa Clarita business license questions may go through the county
Santa Clarita does not issue city business licenses, so business owners should check Los Angeles County's license rules and confirm the address, activity, and jurisdiction before applying.
Read next →An LA County business name filing starts with the County Clerk
Los Angeles County fictitious business name filings are handled by the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, separate from city business tax, seller's permits, and state business filings.
Read next →LA County pet licenses start with Animal Care
Los Angeles County pet licensing can be handled online, by mail, or at an animal care center, with rabies and sterilization proof often part of the paperwork.
Read next →