Business License FAQ and Basic Requirements

Why does the City have a business license program?
Business licenses are required and restrictions imposed by the Lake Oswego City Code (LOC 20.02). These were enacted to ensure the public's interest by regulating businesses to make sure they comply with applicable laws and ordinances, and conduct themselves in a manner that does not detract from the public health, safety, and welfare. The City administers this program, monitors compliance, and conducts enforcement as necessary.

Who needs a City of Lake Oswego business license?
Unless specifically exempted by State law, Lake Oswego City Code requires anyone who conducts business within the City of Lake Oswego to have a business license.

The business license application for a new business should be received thirty (30) days before the business opens.

Does that include working out of a home?
Yes. Once the proposed business (home occupation) complies with City zoning codes, it would need a business license.

What about for door-to-door solicitation?
Solicitation within the City of Lake Oswego requires a business license. For relatively brief door-to-door activities, a temporary license may be most suited to a vendor's needs. These cost $25 for one week only, $50 for two weeks. Also, door-to-door activities require a current picture of the salesperson(s) on file.

Both "for-profit" and "non-profit" solicitation require licensing. "For-profit" soliciting might include sale of magazine subscriptions, household items, or services of some kind, while "non-profit" solicitation might involve organizations such as the American Cancer Society or Green Peace seeking donations.

Also, whether it be one person or a group of twelve, each individual solicitor is required to carry a copy of the business license while conducting door-to-door solicitation.  Anyone who conducts door-to-door solicitation within city limits must adhere to Ordinances 34.16.915 and 34.16.920. These address the rights of residents and business owners by restricting the hours of solicitation (between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. daylight savings time, and only to 8 p.m. during standard time); and allows residents and businesses to prohibit solicitation through the posting of a sign that conforms to the requirements of LOC 34.16.945. LOC 34.16.945 states how the sign must read, its size, and where is should be displayed.

"No Solicitation" signs may be purchased from the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce for a cost of $5.00. The Chamber is located at 234 B Avenue and the phone number is 503-636-3634. For your convenience, a supply of these signs is also maintained at City Hall, 1st floor - Finance counter, at the same cost.

Where does a person go to apply for a business license?
An applicant may either come to the Finance Department on the first floor of City Hall and pick up an application, or call (503) 635-0279 to request that an application be mailed. You may also download a business license application by visiting the business license application page in the Finance Department.  Fill in and print the form then mail in or hand deliver to the Finance department in City Hall. 

How soon do I need to apply for a business license?
The business license application for a new business should be received thirty (30) days before the business opens. Application should also be received on the specific “due date.”  If compliance with these time frames is not met, the business may be assessed a late fee.

How much will it cost?  (Certain businesses, demonstrating less than $1,000 gross revenue on a calendar year basis, are exempt from the following annual business license fees.)

Current fees for the initial business license application are:

These fees are non-refundable.

Businesses that apply between January 1st and November 1st will renew their license by December 31st of the same year.  Businesses applying after November 1st will renew their licenses by December 31st of the following year. Business Licenses must be renewed by the indicated expiration date on the license. A renewal form indicating the renewal fee will be mailed to current business license holders.

What happens after the fees are paid and the application is submitted?
Once submitted, the application is routed to various departments for review and approval. Most applications only require Planning and Building Department reviews. However, if issues such as health and safety are involved, the Engineering, Fire, and Police Departments may also review the application.

How long will it take to complete the review process?
While the Ordinance for Business Licensing requires that those applying for a business license "do so thirty (30) days prior to the date the license is requested to be effective," the review process is normally completed within 10 working days and the license is then issued.


Renewal fees for business licenses are:

Click here for more information for paying Business License Renewals online.

What does the City do with the revenue collected for business licenses?
The revenue collected from business license fees go into the General Fund. The General Fund supports services such as Fire, Police, Parks, and Library operations.

Additional Information
In addition to maintaining a current listing of licensed businesses and building contractors at the permit center counter, the City also provides the Chamber of Commerce with a copy of all licensed businesses, and frequently helps locate local businesses for callers.

Other Resources