Fee Structure For 2009 Licenses Shown Below
The Tukwila Municipal Code requires that all businesses acquire a business license within 30 days of commencing business operations within the City (TMC 5.04.050). The license fees are based on the number of employees at the Tukwila location as follows:
| 0 to 20 employees | $100.00 |
| 21 to 50 employees | $150.00 |
| 51 to 100 employees | $200.00 |
| 101 and above | $300.00 |
| Home Occupations (operated from a Tukwila residence) | $ 50.00 |
Business License applications are available at City Hall at the City Clerk's Office or from our website (See link below).
Payment may be made by cash, check or credit card (Mastercard or Visa).
Please be advised your submission is an application only, NOT a license to conduct business. You will not be issued a temporary license and you should not consider your business registered until the licensing process is complete. In most cases, you will be issued (or denied) your business license within 15 to 30 days. Upon receipt of your business license, it is to be prominently displayed at your place of business in Tukwila.
♦ View or print the Business License Application Form
Application Process For New Businesses:
Upon receipt, your application will be routed to various City departments for review. The following criteria may be used during the departmental review process.
City Clerk's Office: Reviews application for completeness, and to determine if any supplemental licenses are required and/or if state business licensing requirements have been met.
Planning Department: Reviews application to determine if the proposed use is permitted in the zone where it will locate. They will also review to determine if there is appropriate parking and that no other land use applications are required. Please note that the installation of any signs requires the approval of a sign permit. You are encouraged to talk with Planning staff prior to opening a new enterprise so that they can assist you with any permitting issues.
Building Department: Reviews application for conformance with the International Building Code.
Fire Department: Will inspect those businesses where the nature of operations warrants a site inspection to ascertain conformance with fire code regulations and building compatibility (i.e. premise is suitable for the business activities being licensed).
Police Department: Uses the license application information for emergency notification in the case of a nighttime break-in or triggered alarm.
License Term And Renewal:
Business licenses are issued on a calendar year basis (they always expire December 31st of each year-no matter which month you first applied). Once registered, you will receive a license renewal notice each December. All business license renewals are due and payable by January 1st. A penalty fee of $20 per month shall be assessed beginning February 1st if renewal and payment are not received by January 31st.
It is necessary to contact the office of the City Clerk at (206) 433-1800 if your company:
- Moves within the city limits of Tukwila
- Moves outside the city limits
- Ceases operation
- Changes ownership (licenses are not transferable or assignable)
- Changes use or type of operation
- Will be having a special event (such as a tent sale, parking lot sale, or any other event) outside its routine operation
Additional licenses are required if your business has live music/entertainment, tow trucks, amusement devices, solicitors/peddlers, or adult entertainment.
Any retail sales tax generated in Tukwila needs to be reported to the Washington State Department of Revenue, under sales tax code #1729.
