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Business License Regulations
This page provides a basic description of Longview's business licensing requirements. It also provides information on Certificate of Occupancy and Fire Safety Permit requirements for businesses located in Longview. This material is intended for general informational purposes only. It is current at the time of publication but is subject to change as City Ordinances are enacted or repealed.
Additional information relating to your business license may be obtained by calling Longview City Hall, business license desk or email BandOTaxes@mylongview.com.
City Licensing Procedures
- Application Forms
- Certificate of Occupancy
- Change of Address
- Change of Ownership
- Community Development
- Fire & Life Safety Permit
- Home Occupations
- Issuance of License
An application form for a city business license may be obtained by completing the Master Business License Application online. If you are renewing a business license, an online renewal process is also available.
Fees
The business license fee is $50 per calendar year.
A Certificate of Occupancy is required for all businesses located within Longview city limits, except home occupations. This is an annual permit to occupy a building or structure as classified for use by the Longview Community Development Department. The Permit fee is $15 annually, payable in conjunction with your annual business license renewal.
Assistance
To assist City Inspectors in determining that your building is being properly occupied, Certificate of Occupancy information is included on your business license, which should be posted in a public area of your business. Questions about the Certificate of Occupancy should be directed to the City's Fire Protection Specialist at 360-442-5088.
Renewing Your Certificate of Occupancy & Fire Life Safety Permit
Each year you will receive pre-printed renewal applications. These are mailed in early December and are due by January 31.
You must notify the Department of Revenue whenever you change your business location, mailing address, and telephone number, or if you close your business. Physical address changes must be approved by the City Community Development Department. Prompt notification of business closures will prevent the accumulation of late penalties to your license account.
You must notify the Department of Revenue if you sell your business. The new owner must apply for a business license in his or her name and pay the license fee. If a Certificate of Occupancy and/or Fire and Life Safety fee has already been paid that year for the business, the new owner will not need to pay those fees again. Changes of ownership require Community Development Department approval.
Community Development Approval
After you have completed the application form, it must be approved by the City Community Development Department to ensure that your business location complies with zoning regulations. This approval process takes only a few minutes. Certain restrictions may apply to home occupations, day care facilities, and businesses requiring regulatory licensing.
Fire and Life Safety Permits are required for all businesses that maintain, store, use or handle hazardous materials, or that conduct processes which produce conditions hazardous to life or property, or that install equipment used in connection with such activities, as defined by the Uniform Fire Code, Article I, Section 105.
To determine if your business will be required to obtain a Fire and Life Safety Permit, please contact the City's Fire Marshal. The permit fee is $62 and is payable annually in conjunction with your business license fee.
Certificate of Occupancy
Fire and Life Safety Permit information is included with your Certificate of Occupancy and should be posted in a public area of your business. Questions about Fire and Life Safety Permits should be directed to the City's Fire Marshal at 360-442-5088.
Renewing Your Certificate of Occupancy & Fire Life Safety Permit
Each year you will receive pre-printed renewal applications. These are mailed in early December and are due by January 31.
If your business office is located within the home and situated within a residential district of the City of Longview, you must comply with the City's home occupation ordinance. The ordinance's purpose is to maintain the residential nature of an area. While mail order and delivery sales are allowed, the ordinance prohibits the use of your home as a retail outlet. View more information on home occupation regulations.
Following approval by the City's Community Development and Fire Departments, your business license will be mailed to you. Processing normally takes one to two weeks.