Landscaping Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, CA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a landscaping in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.

$500 -- $1500 6–12 weeks (primarily driven by CSLB contractor license process) 8 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: March 13, 2026.

Los Angeles / Los Angeles County Requirements

2 requirements

City of Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate

Required for all landscaping businesses operating in the City of Los Angeles. Issued by the LA Office of Finance. New businesses qualify for first-year exemption if gross receipts are under $100,000. Renewed annually.

$0 (first year, new business exemption); $100+ annually based on gross receipts1–2 weeks (online application)

Official government source

LA City Street Tree Permit (if trimming or removing street trees)

Any pruning, trimming, or removal of trees in the public right-of-way (street trees) requires a permit from the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services, Urban Forestry Division. Landscaping companies working on behalf of property owners must ensure this permit is in place.

Free (for removal permits in most cases) to $350+ for special projects2–4 weeks

Official government source

California State Requirements

4 requirements

California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) — C-27 Landscaping Contractor License

California requires landscaping contractors who perform work on a single project valued at $500 or more (labor and materials combined) to hold a C-27 Landscaping Contractor license from the CSLB. Unlicensed landscaping work above this threshold is illegal. The C-27 license requires passing a law and trade exam and submitting a bond.

$300 (original license application fee); $200 (examination fee); $15,000 contractor's bond required6–12 weeks (exam scheduling and processing)

Official government source

California Department of Pesticide Regulation — Pest Control Operator License (if applying pesticides)

Landscaping businesses that apply pesticides for hire (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides) must be licensed by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) as a Pest Control Operator. Employees who apply pesticides must be licensed as Pest Control Applicators.

$300 (operator license); exam fees additional4–8 weeks

Official government source

California Seller's Permit (if selling nursery stock or products)

If your landscaping business sells plants, mulch, or other products to clients, you must hold a California Seller's Permit from the CDTFA to collect and remit sales tax. Labor-only landscape maintenance services are generally not taxable.

FreeImmediate (online registration)

Official government source

California Department of Food and Agriculture — Nursery License (if growing/reselling plants)

If your landscaping business grows or propagates plants for resale, you need a Nursery License from the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Contractors who purchase and install nursery stock from third parties may not need this, but should confirm.

$70–$200/year depending on acreage2–4 weeks

Official government source