Business Licenses
Frequently Asked Questions - Do I need a business license for the City of Federal Way?
- Do I need to obtain a Master license with the State?
- What are the fees for licensing a business in the City?
- Does the City issue a solicitors permit?
- Can I operate a business out of my home?
- What is the processing time for a business license?
- Are there any other licenses or permits required to operate a business in Federal Way?
- Can I have a block party, parade, demonstration etc... on City property?
- How can I apply and where are you located?
1. Do I need a business license for the City of Federal Way? The City of Federal Way requires every person conducting business within City limits to obtain at Federal Way business license. (Federal Way Municipal Code 12.05.010) This includes home occupations and outside contractors that come into the City to do business. 2. Do I need to obtain a Master license with the State? You need to register your business with the WA. State Dept. of Revenue for a Master license with the Sate of Washington if you can answer yes to any of these questions 1) you are required to collect sales tax, 2) your gross income is more than $12,000 a year, 3) you are required to pay taxes or fees to the Department of Revenue, 4) you are a buyer of specialty wood products. 3. What are the fees for licensing a business in the City? The fee for a standard business license is $75.00, this includes regular, outside contractor and home occupations. The standard license is valid until the end of each year. The fee for a temporary business license is $50.00, and is good for any 90 days in the calendar year, and will expire at the end of the year. If you apply for a standard license and it is issued within the last three months of the year, that license will then expire at the end of the following year. 4. Does the City issue a solicitor's permit? The City does not have a solicitor's permit but a temporary license that is good for 90 days, and can be used any 90 days in a calendar year. The permit once issued must be carried with the person if traveling to different locations within the City. 5. Can I operate a business out of my home? Home occupation licenses are issued if you live within the City limits and operate a business out of your home in compliance with all City codes and ordinances, even if you do not run the business in your home; example landscaper, plumber etc... it is still considered a home occupation. 6. What is the processing time for a business license? The processing time for a standard license can be two to four weeks, more or less depending on the building and permitting if needed. For home occupations, temporary licenses and outside contractors the processing time is usually one week or less. 7. Are there any other licenses or permits required to operate a business in Federal Way? The City of Federal Way only requires a City business license and a State master license with the Department of Revenue if applicable ( please see above). If you are making tenant improvements or if the structure is a new building you will need to contact the Community development department at (253) 835-2607. If you are operating a restaurant or handling food you would need to contact King County Public Health Dept., Wa. State Liquor Control Board, and the Wa. State Gambling Commissionfor the appropriate licenses if they apply to your business. 8. Can I have a block party, parade demonstration etc... on City property? A right of way activity permit is required for any event that will temporarily block, impede or be held on any public right of way within the City of Federal Way. This type of license is issued to special events, block parties, races, demonstrations, organized rallies of any kind which occur on a street, side-walk or other public property and consists of five or more persons or two or more vehicles. Before issuance the application is routed for review to the streets department, public safety and the South King Fire & Rescue. 9. How can I apply and where are you located? You can download the business license application form or the right of way activity permit from our website and mail the completed application with appropriate fee to: City of Federal Way
PO Box 9718
Federal Way WA 98063
Or visit City hall at:
33325 8th Ave S
Federal Way WA 98003
2nd Floor Management Services counter
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am-5:00pm If you have further questions regarding licensing or would like an application mailed to you please call (253) 835-2527, fax (253) 835-2509. If you are a small business and would like free assistance with issues related to: marketing, loan applications, forecasting, equity funding and buildings & equipment please contact the Small Business Development Center thru Highline Community College at (206) 878-3710, email sbdc@highline.edu or click on the link small business development center
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