Business Licenses
If you engage in business activity within the City of Kent limits, a Business License is required. The operation of two or more businesses at one location requires a separate license for each business.
Where do I apply for a City of Kent Business License?
You can apply for a business license at the Customer Service counter located at 400 West Gowe Street, Suite 122 during regular business hours (Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) The Commercial Business License form and the Outside Contractor Liicense Application are available online or by contacting the Customer Services Division at 253-856-5200. General business license information may be obtained online.
Regular annual business licenses are based on the number of full and part-time employees employed at each business. There is also a one-time $54 fee for a fire and life safety inspection for commercial businesses located inside the city limits only. Contractor licenses are $100 annually. See fee schedule for complete details.
If my business is located in my home, do I need a license?
Yes, you do. The Home Business License application form contains a Home Occupation Questionnaire. Please see Home Occupation Business License Information & Instructions for detailed information about home business occupation. General business license information is also available. When you file for a license, the Planning Department will review your application for compliance of City Codes and regulations. This is to make sure you are within the guidelines of a business operating from a home location. If you are unsure about zoning restrictions contact the City of Kent Planning Department.
Do I need a State of Washington Business License if I get a City of Kent license?
Yes, in most cases both are required. For more information about licensing your business in Washington State contact the State of Washington Business Licensing Service.
Do I need a King County License if I get a City of Kent Business License?
A King County business license is required only if your business is located in unincorporated King County. Be aware that some Kent addresses are not within the city limits. If you are outside the city limits, check with King County.
Is there a business tax in the City of Kent?
No, the City of Kent does not have a general business and occupation tax (B&O Tax).
Do you send out business license renewal notices each year?
Yes, we send out notices 7 - 10 days prior to year end. License fees are due by January 31st.
How long does it take to get a license issued?
The process takes 10 business days.
Are there any other special business licenses required by the City?
Some activities require additional licenses. A Cabaret License is required for live music and/or dancing. There are also licenses for electronic game devices such as juke boxes, pool tables, amusement and electronic games. Applications for these activities have a separate application form, fee schedule and process. For more information, contact Customer Services at 253-856-5200 or at Finance@kentwa.gov.
as of January 1, 2012
Business License
| Type |
Fee |
Comment |
Duration |
| Regular Business License |
Number of Employees Fee
0-24 $100
25-49 $200
50-99 $400
100 or more $600
($54 Fire Safety Inspection fee for commercial businesses located within the city limits only.)
|
Application Filing Required |
Annual
|
| Contractor License |
$100
$50.00 (Pro-rated after July 1st)
|
Required for all contractors doing business in Kent who have a physical location outside of Kent.
|
Annual |
| Rental Housing License Application
|
2 to 10 units - $100.00 11 to 50 units - $300.00
51 and above - $600.00
|
|
|
Home Occupation License
|
$50.00
$25.00 (Pro- rated after July 1 of calendar year) |
Application Filing Required |
Annual
|
| Non-profit-IRS 501(3)(c) |
exempt |
Application Filing Required |
Annual |
| Religious organizations (non-business activities only) |
exempt |
Application Filing Required |
Annual |
| Special Fees for Other Business Activities |
| Amusement Device |
$50 per device |
Annual |
| Arcade License (over 10 devices) |
$500 in addition to the above |
Annual |
| Cabaret (live music and/or dance) |
$50 per Year or $12.50 Quarterly |
Annual |
| Carnivals |
$25 (offering amusement rides only) |
Annual |
| Circuses & Sideshows |
$400 + $100 day over 4 days |
One-time event |
| Going Out of Business Sales |
$75 |
3 months |
| Mobile Vendors |
No City License Fee/Check for County & State requirements |
|
| Model Studio & Body Painting |
$1,000 |
Annual |
| Manager of Model Studio |
$500 |
Annual |
Adult Entertainment
Exotic Dance Studio
All other Adult Entertainment
Managers & Entertainers |
$500 $150 $150 |
Annual for each |
| Solicitors & Master Solicitor |
$10 for Master and one agent; $2 for each additional solicitor |
Annual |
| Sole Solicitor (working alone) |
$5 |
Annual |
| Pool & Billiard Tables |
$50 each for first two tables
$10 each additional |
Annual |
| Public Dance and Dance Halls |
$150 |
Annual |
| Public Dance Single Events |
$25 per day (Only 3 limited licenses in any calendar month or 6 limited licenses in any calendar year allowed.) |
One-time event |
| Taxicabs & Vehicles for Hire |
$75 (City & King County License Required) |
Annual |
| Temporary Amusement Device |
$10 per device (Fair, Carnival, Circus) |
limited to 14 days |