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Don't sign a lease before checking zoning

NOTE: Do not sign a lease until you've checked with the city to make sure the building can be used for your type of business.

Commercial Property Search Tool

This tool from the Gateway Cities Council of Governments shows some commercial properties available for rent. It also provide some demographic information like heat maps and community profiles.

Long Beach Council of Business Associations (COBA)

COBA gives business districts/associations a voice when there is any question or issue with City departments such as Planning, Building, Zoning, Licensing, Public Works, Fire, Water, and Health. They work with City departments to expedite all processes and make Long Beach a truly business friendly city.

Who makes up COBA?

COBA members are representatives from official Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and associations from across the city. Any and all business areas in the city are encouraged to send a representative to the monthly COBA meetings to discuss issues that affect business in Long Beach. Best practices and resources are also shared among the group.

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)

BIDs serve certain areas of Long Beach, coordinating a variety of services and activities to help businesses in their areas. The city requires businesses and/or property owners in these areas to pay an annual fee to their BIDs - usually a few hundred dollars. The city collects these fees and passes them on to the organizations the City contracts with to manage BIDs. In return, these organizations provide supplemental services not already provided by the city. Some clean the streets more rigorously, enhance security, host local events, represent business needs to the City, or provide other business support services.

Following is a list of organizations the City contracts with to manage BIDs.

We recommend getting in touch with your BID director if you are interested in a property that falls into that territory. They can help you through the process of setting up a business in a commercial property.