Business Licenses, Special Licenses, Permits and Fees

Application forms are available at Longview City Hall or by downloading forms in PDF format (see individual forms below).

Additional information relating to special licenses may be obtained by calling Longview City Hall, business license desk or by e-mail.

Admissions
The admissions 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). The license fee is $10; the license is good for one calendar year. 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

Advertising Structures
An advertising structures license 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. The license fee is $20 per sign per year. There is a limited number of outdoor advertising structures and billboards permitted within the city limits.

Auction
An auction license is required for a temporary (Class 2) auction held within city limits. Auctions are defined as “public out-cry” sales events. The license fee is $30 per day for each auction event. 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.

Auctioneer's License
If a temporary auction is utilizing the services of an auctioneer not licensed by the State of Washington, a City auctioneer's license is required. The fee is $25 per day for each event.

Business License (New)
The business license fee is $50.00 per calendar year.  The license fee is pro-rated to $10.00 for new applications only, after June 30th of each year. Checks should be made payable to the City of Longview, and payment should be made at the time of application. Also available is Business License Renewal.

Cabaret
Cabaret licenses are required for businesses providing live music and/or dancing. The license fee is $100 per calendar year.

Carnival
Traveling carnivals are required to obtain a carnival license, and to have a non-profit sponsor for their show. The license fee is $150, plus $2 per day for each concession operated at the carnival. In addition to the license fee, a $500 bond is required. A business tax of 2% of gross receipts, less the $150 license fee, is payable within 30 days of the event. Applications must be received by the Finance Department at least ten days prior to the opening day of the carnival.

Certificate of Occupancy
A Certificate of Occupancy fee is $15.00 per calendar year.  Home occupations and businesses that do not have an office location within the City of Longview are exempt from this requirement. Checks should be made payable to the City of Longview, and payment should be made at the time of application. (Form available in the Community Development Department

Circus
A circus license 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.

Dance Permits
Dance permits 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. The permit fee is $10 per dance, and applicants must allow 10 days for approval.

Fire Safety Permit
The Fire Safety Permit fee is $53.00 per calendar year.  If more than one permit is required per occupancy, additional permits are $26.50 each. Checks should be made payable to the City of Longview, and payment should be made at the time of application. (Form available in the Community Development Department

Mobile Vendors
Mobile catering and ice cream trucks must obtain a mobile vendors license. The license fee is $25 per month for each vehicle operating within city limits. 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.

Music Machines
Juke boxes or music machines are assessed an annual music machines license fee of $30 per unit. The proceeds from the machines are not subject to business and occupation taxes.

Pawnbrokers
Pawnbrokers are required to obtain a pawnbrokers license for an annual fee of $50. Pawnbrokers are also required to post a $1,000 surety bond, provide weekly reports to the Longview Police Department, and maintain a register of goods bought and sold.

Political Signs
To place signs advertising political races or candidates on private property within city limits, a $50 deposit must first be paid by the candidate or party representative. This deposit will be refunded after the election, provided that all signs are removed.

Pool Tables
Any establishment with coin operated pool tables must obtain a pool table license for an annual fee of $30 per table. The proceeds from the pool tables are not subject to business and occupation taxes.

Real Estate Rental
Any person or company engaged in the business of renting real property must obtain a real estate rental license and pay an annual license fee of $1 per available unit, whether or not it is currently rented.

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 for an annual fee of $25. Second-hand dealers are also required to post a $1,000 surety bond, provide weekly reports to the Longview Police Department, and maintain a register of items bought and sold.

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 for an annual fee of $50 per device. The proceeds from the machines are not subject to business and occupation taxes.

Sound Trucks
A sound truck license 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.  The license fee is $5 per calendar month.

Special Sales
Companies which come to Longview to conduct temporary sales must obtain a special sales license for a fee of $50 per day. Such special sales are exempt from paying business and occupation taxes.

Taxi Drivers
Taxi drivers are required to be independently licensed in the City of Longview. The license fee is $10 per year. Two passport style, color photographs are must accompany the application, and a background check will be conducted by the Longview Police Department prior to approval of the license.

Tent Permits
Tent permits 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.