General Information and Links
What is a business
license and do I need one?
A business license is the means
whereby Salt Lake City Corporation grants you permission to
engage in the business your license is issued for. The
definition of business includes all activities, trades,
professions or callings engaged in within the corporate
limits of Salt Lake City and carried on for the business of
gain or economic benefit.
If you engage in any business -
either permanently or temporarily - within the corporate
limits of Salt Lake City, you are required to maintain a
valid, unexpired business license.
Section 5.02.005 (C) states:
Engaging in business means and includes, but is not limited
to, the sale of tangible personal property at retail or
wholesale, the manufacturing of goods or property, and the
rendering of personal services for others for a
consideration by persons engaged in any profession, trade,
craft, business, occupation or other calling.
Why does the City
license businesses?
Businesses are licensed to
insure
-
the location is properly
zoned for the activity to be conducted
-
the building the business
will be operating in meets fire safety code standards
-
all state and local codes are
adhered to, insuring the safety and well-being of our
citizens
-
businesses are properly
regulated
The revenue from license fee
collections goes into the City's general fund to pay for the
cost of licensing and regulation and to insure continuation
and improvement of City facilities and services.
How long does it take
to receive a business license?
Most business licenses in the
city are general business licenses that can be issued within
30 days. A general business license is approved by:
|
Building |
801.535.6687 |
|
Zoning |
801.535.7220 or
801.535.6432 |
|
Fire Department |
801.799.4150 |
|
Salt Lake Valley Health Department |
801.313.6600 |
How much does it cost?
There is a non-refundable $100
base fee for each new commercial license application plus
$15 for each full or part-time employee. In addition,
based upon the type of business you are operating, there
maybe an additional Disproportionate Fee. Please call
(801.535.6644)
or come into the office and speak with our staff
prior to
submitting your application
The fee for a change of name or
change of location (from a commercial to a commercial
location) on an existing license is $15 or $35 for
businesses with regulatory fees, such as sexually-oriented
businesses, private clubs, establishments with beer/liquor
consumption, etc.. To change from a Home Occupation to
a commercial location is $25.
Business fees are billed
annually. For a new business, license fees for the current
billing period must be paid at the time you file the
application. These fees vary depending on the license
classification.
For approximate fees, call
801.535.6644 or go to the
fee schedule page on the web.
Where do I go to get a
business license?
You can pick up applications at
the Business License Office on the second floor of the City
& County Building, 451 South State Street, Room 225, Salt
Lake City, UT 84111.
Hours are Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday 9
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The telephone number is 801.535.6644.
You can also
download forms and
information sheets.
Some types of business licenses
require a police background check. You can only apply for
these types of licenses by coming into the office.
What do I need?
See our step by step
directions.
Click here for the new business
application checklist.
More Information
Can I operate a
business from my home?
If you're considering operating
a business from your home and your home is located within
the corporate limits of Salt Lake City, you need a Home
Occupation Permit.
Call 801.535.7752 for
additional information about the types of businesses you can
conduct from your home.
There is a fee of $75 for a
Home Occupation License. In addition, based upon the
type of business you are operating, there maybe an
additional Disproportionate Fee. When you come in to apply, the Home
Occupation Permit will be approved or denied before you fill
out the business license application. There is a $110.74
fee for the Home Occupation Permit.
You can download these forms
from our web site:
Click here for the
Home
Occupation Ordinance and go to section 21A.36.030.
More Information
