Title 08 Taxation and Revenue
Chapter 08.01 Business Registrations
Section 08.01.070 Business Registration Required
No person may engage in business in the city of Spokane or with the City without first having obtained and being the holder of a valid annual business registration or temporary business registration a Spokane city endorsement as provided in this chapter. Annual general business licenses with a Spokane city endorsement shall be issued and registered through the Washington State Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Service (BLS). A general business license is good for twelve months and must be renewed before expiration for the next twelve months. Any temporary registrations, to include itinerant vendor registrations shall be issued and registered by the City of Spokane Taxes and Licenses Office. In addition, persons whose activities fall within the definition of SMC 10.40.010 must obtain an “itinerant vendor” permit as provided in SMC 10.40.010 , in addition to a business registration. A business license does not authorize illegal activities.
If a business changes names or locations during a registration year, it must notify the Washington State Business Licensing Service to obtain a new registration document to display in the place of business that reflects the change of name or location. A change of location may require the filing of a new application through the Business Licensing Service, as described in this chapter.
A person or business conducting the following activities shall register for an annual regulatory business license or obtain an annual permit in addition to obtaining a general business license and shall follow the requirements of the activity's respective chapter:
Annual Regulatory Licenses and Permits
Licensing Requirements
Amusement Facility License
SMC 10.23A
Commercial Tree License
SMC 10.25
Building Moving and Relocation Permit
SMC 10.26
Sidewalk Café Permit
SMC 10.28
Contractors and Workers Licensing: Blaster, Boiler Operator, Fire Equipment Servicer, Gas Hearing Mechanic
SMC 10.29
Fireworks Permit
SMC 10.33A
For-hire Vehicle Driver and For-hire Operator License
SMC 10.34A
Infectious Waste License
SMC 10.35
Itinerant Vendor License
SMC 10.40
Special Police Officer License
SMC 10.41A
Charitable Solicitation License
SMC 10.42
Telephone and Telegraph Construction Permit
SMC 10.43
Emergency Medical Transport Permit
SMC 10.47
Mobile Food Vendor License
SMC 10.51
Food Delivery License
SMC 10.515
Short Term Rental License
SMC 10.52
Parklets and Streateries Licenses
SMC 10.55
Residential Rental House License
SMC 10.57
Date Passed: Monday, March 31, 2025
Effective Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
ORD C36651 Section 4
