Business License Guide

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Welcome to the City of Corona! We’re excited to have your business join our thriving community. Ensuring the safety of both your business and the public is a top priority, and we’re here to help you meet all necessary safety requirements before opening. 

On January 14, 2025, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 3408 (add link here to ordinance)requiring a fire inspection by the Corona Fire Department prior to issuance of a new business license.

Once the business submits its application for a new license for a physical location, other than a home business, to HdL Companies (link to HDL to submit). HdL with assign the license to the Corona Fire Department. The Corona Fire Department will email you a questionnaire about your business to determine if an on-site fire inspection will be required prior to you opening your business to the public. 

If the Fire Department does not require an on-site inspection by determining that there has not been a change in use or occupancy, no tenant improvements or alterations to life safety systems have been completed without permits, that no fire code use permits are required, and/or there are no hazardous materials, used, dispensed, or stored on site, the Fire Inspector has the ability to send approval back through HdL, and you may continue with Business License approval process.

Should an on-site inspection be required based on the questionnaire response, the Corona Fire Department Fire Prevention Division will contact you to set up a day and time to schedule your inspection within ten (10) days of application to HdL. There will be a fee for this service, and it will be billed after the completion of the inspection. The fee is based on the current adopted master fee recovery schedule, reference number, FR-440. (link to the adopted MFRS).

Places of business will be inspected when everything is in place and ready to open for business. All tenant improvements shall be completed, office equipment and furniture installed, stock placed on shelving/racks, etc.

The following are basic guidelines and common violations, along with the required documentation your Inspector will need during your inspection to help you prepare. Depending on the type of business and the materials being stored, sold, or used, additional requirements may apply.

This guide is available for download to print and keep.

Common Violation

Please call for your Fire Inspection when your facility is completely ready to serve customers. Contact us at (951) 736-2220. We can typically schedule your inspection within 24-48 hours of your call.

Fire Department Information

• A permit is required to make modifications to the Fire Suppression Systems (fire sprinklers, fire alarm, hood suppression system).
• If your business is a restaurant or food service provider, the hood suppression system must meet UL300 compliance and must be serviced by a licensed contractor every 6 months. You must also have a “K” rated fire extinguisher in your kitchen with a current service tag.
• If your building has sprinklers, the system must have an annual inspection and current five-year certification by a C-16 contractor. Check with your landlord/property manager for the required reports.
• Please have a Knox box installed by the main entrance to your building or at each end of the multi-tenant strip mall to facilitate Fire Department access. See Emergency Key Box - Knox Rapid Access System

General Information

• If you are handling, storing or disposing of hazardous materials such as waste oil, antifreeze, etc., you can reference our Hazardous Materials page here.  Hazardous Materials | City of Corona
• If you are making modifications to the building (tenant improvements, adding high-piled storage, adding a spray booth, adding a wall, etc.), contact the Building Department at (951) 736-2250 to see if a permit is required.
• If your business is a body shop, obtain the appropriate permits with the Building Department at (951) 736-2250 and AQMD at (909) 396-2000.
• If your business emits a contaminant into the air, follow the Air Quality Management District District (AQMD) guidelines (909) 396-2000.