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Licenses, Permits & Applications
Application forms are available at Longview City Hall or by downloading forms in PDF format. Additional information relating to special licenses may be obtained by calling Longview City Hall, business license desk or Email B&O Tax Department
Admissions
The admissions (PDF) license is necessary for businesses which charge an admission fee, either on a regular basis or for a one-time event (theaters, lounges with a cover charge, concerts). Admission taxes of 5% are due quarterly for businesses which regularly charge an admission fee, or within 30 days of a single event. Statement of Admissions Tax PDF
- Fee: $10
- Term: License is good for one calendar year
Advertising Structures
An advertising structures license (PDF) is required for any outdoor advertising structure or billboard which is defined as a freestanding sign, not erected upon or attached to any other structure, five feet by nine feet or larger, which advertises goods, products, or services which are not sold, manufactured or distributed on or from the premises or facilities on which the sign is located. There is a limited number of outdoor advertising structures and billboards permitted within the city limits.
- Fee: $20 per sign per year
- Term: License is good for one calendar year
Auction
An auction license (PDF) is required for a temporary (Class 2) auction held within city limits. Auctions are defined as “public outcry” sales events. In addition to the license fee, persons desiring to conduct a temporary auction are also required to submit a bond in the amount of $2,500 and an itemized list of items to be sold. The proceeds from a temporary auction are exempt from business and occupation taxes.
- Fee: $30 per day for each auction event
- Term: Day
Auctioneer's License
If a temporary auction (PDF) is utilizing the services of an auctioneer not licensed by the State of Washington, a City auctioneer's license is required.
- Fee: $25
- Term: Day
Business License
The business license fee is $50 per calendar year. Please visit Department of Revenue for Business License Renewal.
Cabaret
Cabaret licenses (PDF) are required for businesses providing live music and/or dancing.
- Fee: The license fee is $100 per calendar year.
Carnival
Traveling carnivals are required to obtain a carnival license (PDF), and to have a non-profit sponsor for their show. In addition to the license fee, a $500 bond is required. Applications must be received by the Finance Department at least ten days prior to the opening day of the carnival.
- Fee: The license fee is $150, plus $2 per day for each concession operated at the carnival.
- Term: Per Event
Certificate of Occupancy
Home occupations and businesses that do not have an office located within the City of Longview are exempt from this requirement. New businesses located in the City of Longview that are not home occupations will be required to submit payment. (Form will be available after business application is processed, for question call phone 360-442-5040.)
- Fee: A Certificate of Occupancy fee is $20 per calendar year.
Circus
A circus license (PDF) is required to hold a circus in Longview. Circuses must have a non-profit sponsor. In addition to a $100 license fee, a $500 bond is required prior to the event (admissions tax form) Applications must be received by the Finance Department at least ten days prior to the opening day.
- Fee: $100
- Term: Per Event
Dance Permits
Dance permits (PDF) are required to hold any kind of dance within city limits. Dances are classified into two categories: Public/Special Events Dances, and Teenage Dances. Teenage Dances are required to obtain a non-profit sponsor.
- Fee: $10 per dance and applicants must allow 10 days for approval.
- Term: Per Event
Fire Safety Permit
The Fire Safety Permit fee is $62 per calendar year. If more than one permit is required per occupancy, additional permits are $31 each. This will be determined by the Fire Marshal. This fee will be tied to your Certificate of Occupancy. Checks should be made payable to the City of Longview, and payment should be made at the time of application.
- Fee: Revised Annually LMC 18.10
- Term: Per Year
Mobile Vendors
Mobile catering and ice cream trucks must obtain a mobile vendors license (PDF). A letter from the Health Department, certifying that the mobile truck has complied with Health Department regulations, must accompany the application. Mobile vendors are exempt from the business and occupation tax provisions of the Longview Municipal Code. Please contact Community Development for more information on Mobile Vending at 360-442-5086.
- Fee: The license fee is $25 per month for each vehicle operating within city limits.
- Term: Per Year
Music Machines
The proceeds from the machines are not subject to business and occupation taxes.
- Fee: Jukeboxes or music machines are assessed an annual music machines license fee (PDF) of $30
- Term: Per Unit
Pawnbrokers
Pawnbrokers are required to obtain a pawnbrokers license (PDF) for an annual fee of $150. Pawnbrokers are also required to post a $10,000 surety bond, provide weekly reports to the Longview Police Department, and maintain a register of goods bought and sold.
- Fee: $150
- Term: Per Year
Political Signs
To place signs advertising political races or candidates (PDF) on private property within city limits. This deposit will be refunded after the election, provided that all signs are removed.
- Fees: A $50 deposit must first be paid by the candidate or party representative.
- Term: Variable
Pool Tables
Any establishment with coin-operated pool tables must obtain a pool table license (PDF). The proceeds from the pool tables are not subject to business and occupation taxes.
- Fees: Annual fee of $30 per table
- Term: Per Year
Second-Hand Dealers
Dealers in used merchandise that is purchased from avenues other than wholesalers or estate sales must obtain a second-hand dealer license (PDF) for an annual fee of $150. Second-hand dealers are also required to post a $10,000 surety bond, provide weekly reports to the Longview Police Department, and maintain a register of items bought and sold.
- Fee: $150
- Term: Per Year
Skill Games
Establishments with coin-operated video games, dart boards or other skill games for which a fee is paid in order to play, are required to obtain a skill games license (PDF). The proceeds from the machines are not subject to business and occupation taxes.
- Fee: $50 Per Game
- Term: Per Year
Sound Trucks
A sound truck license (PDF) is required for any vehicle, carriage or fixture, movable or stationary, in or on which shall be installed or carried any device for amplifying sound for advertising purposes.
- Fee: $5
- Term: Per Calendar Month
Special Sales
Companies which come to Longview to conduct temporary sales must obtain a special sales license (PDF). Such special sales are exempt from paying business and occupation taxes.
- Fee: $30
- Term: Per Day
Tent Permits
Tent permits (PDF) are required for special events using tents of over 200 square feet or canopies of over 400 square feet. These permits are handled by the Community Development Department and must be approved by the city manager, the building official, and the fire department. The tent must be fire-retardant and must meet all applicable life safety requirements.
- Fee: N/A
- Term: N/A