FAQ Topic: Business licenses
The City of Port Orchard is partnered with the Department of Revenue. Please use the links below to apply for a license. For regulatory questions regarding City business licenses, please contact the City at 360.876.7020. Department of Revenue https://portorchardwa.gov/starting-a-business/ State of Washington Business Licensing Service PO Box 9034 Olympia, WA 98507-9034 https://dor.wa.gov/contact Email: BLS@dor.wa.gov Fax: … Continued
Yes, a business license is required. If you are a Vendor/Temporary Vendor operating on public property, you are also required to obtain a Vendor/Temporary Vendor Permit issued by the City Clerk’s office. You can obtain an application here or at City Hall. For questions regarding Vendor’s permits, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (360) … Continued
The license is renewable yearly. You will be sent a renewal notice from the State of Washington.
What about remodeling my new business? Please be aware that remodeling requires a Building Permit from the Community Development Department. Please obtain these permits before commencing any remodeling activities.
The City of Port Orchard has zoning requirements to provide for orderly development. Certain businesses are allowed in certain areas of the city. Before considering starting a business, contact the Department of Community Development, to ask whether your proposed business is allowed in the area, especially before making a commitment to lease or buy space!
Businesses operated from your home within city limits are called “Home-Occupation.” It is important to obtain information from the Department of Community Development about the rules governing home occupations and what regulations apply. The fees are the same and you may use the same application process. Indicate on the application that you are applying for … Continued
All businesses operated not-for-profit must obtain a business license; however, they are exempt from paying a business license fee upon satisfactory proof of non-profit status by submitting this information to the Business Licensing Service.
No – individual vendors selling at the Farmers Market are not required to have a separate business license.
It takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks once the City receives your information from the Business Licensing Service.