Landscaping Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, CA

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

Updated 2026-03-13 8 stops $500–$1,500 est. 6–12 weeks (primarily driven by CSLB contractor license process)
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

2 stops

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

  2. EPA Pesticide Compliance (if using regulated chemicals)

    Landscaping businesses using EPA-registered pesticides must comply with FIFRA requirements and EPA Worker Protection Standards.

    Official government source

    Free (compliance requirement, no permit fee)Ongoing compliance

State of California

4 stops

  1. 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.

    Official government source

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

  2. 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.

    Official government source

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

  3. 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.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online registration)

  4. 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.

    Official government source

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

City of Los Angeles / Los Angeles County

2 stops

  1. 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.

    Official government source

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

  2. 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.

    Official government source

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

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,500 · 6–12 weeks (primarily driven by CSLB contractor license process)

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Official Sources

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