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 for any purposes, e.g., for-profit business, non-profit organization, charitable entity, or political candidate or measure, must be conducted in accordance with LOC 34.16.910 - .950.

"Solicitation" means “the entry onto real property used for residential purposes by a person for the purpose of communicating with an occupant of the property, whether the communication is verbal, visual or in writing.”

Read Door-to-Door Solicitation Rules.

Where do you find a list of current business licenses in Lake Oswego?  
Listings of current business licenses in Lake Oswego and new business licenses for the latest quarter are attached at the right side of the Getting a Business License webpage.

Where does a person go to apply for a business license?
You may either apply online, pick up an application at the Finance Department on the first floor of City Hall, or call 503-635-0279 to request that an application be mailed. You may also download a business license application by visiting the Getting a Business License Finance web page and open the application attached there.  Fill in and print the form then mail 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. Penalties may apply if these time-frames are not met. 

How much will it cost?  (Certain businesses, with anticipated or established gross revenue during a calendar year of no more than $1,000 and at least 50% owned by a person under 19 years of age, are exempt from the following annual business license fees (LOC 20.02.025).)

Current fees for the initial business license application are:

These fees are non-refundable.

Business licenses are valid for a year from issuance.  They must be renewed by the expiration date on the license.  A renewal reminder notice indicating the renewal fee will be mailed to license holders prior to expiration.

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 and mailed to applicant.

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, 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