Business Licenses

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Now Available - License Applications & Renewals can be submitted online through the Community Development Hub.

This is the latest in a growing list of services available through this portal, which is part of our continued commitment to modernize and improve our permitting, planning and licensing systems.

The City of Tigard Business License Program is regulated by the Tigard Municipal Code 5.04 and requires anyone engaging in any business within the city limits to pay a business license fee unless specifically exempt by State or Federal statute. Issuance of a Tigard Business License does not imply city approval or endorsement of the business or its location.

Tigard’s business license year is from January 1st to December 31st and is renewable annually. For new businesses opening after June 30th, the fee is pro-rated to one half of the annual fee. Thereafter, the annual business license fee shall be due in full by January 1st each year.

The City of Tigard honors Metro's Regional Contractor’s Business License. If you have a Metro license and your business is not based in Tigard, you are exempt from filing for a city license. If your business is based in Tigard, a city business license is also required.

Business License
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Business license fees support the Tigard Police Department's Commercial Crimes Unit. This unit was established in 2008 to mitigate crime associated with businesses in our community.

With over 40 years of investigative experience, officers are committed to:

Developing partnerships with business owners to reduce crime.
Solving chronic business-related crimes in Tigard.
Proactively reviewing crime prevention techniques at businesses.

Business License FAQs

Do I need a City of Tigard business license?
Unless specifically exempted by State or Federal law or TMC 5.04.100, Tigard Municipal Code requires anyone who conducts business within the City of Tigard to have a business license. Nonprofit organizations with proof of 501(c)(3) status are required to obtain a business license but no license fee will be charged.

What are the license requirements for a nonprofit organization?
A business license is required for all nonprofit organizations. The organization must submit a copy of their Internal Revenue Service Letter of Determination indicating their exempt status with the business license application. There is no fee with proper documentation.

What if I am only doing business in Tigard temporarily?
If your business operations in Tigard are of a temporary nature (30 consecutive days or less), you must obtain a Temporary Business License. A temporary license is $25 and is valid for 30 days. A business will be issued a maximum of two temporary licenses per year.

I registered my business with the State – do I still need a city business license?
Yes. The State registers your business name with the Secretary of State’s office. There is no state business license.

I work out of my home – do I need a business license?
Yes. The Tigard Planning Division will review your zoning to see if you can operate a business from your home. Depending on the type of business, you may be required to obtain a Home Occupation Permit.

My business has multiple locations – does each location need a license?
Yes. Each location must have a separate business license.

I own property in Tigard that is for rent/lease – do I need a business license?
Yes. If you rent out property you are required to have a business license. This includes short- and long-term residential property and commercial property.

I am an independent contractor leasing a space – do I need a business license?
Yes. Independent contractors such as hairdressers or tattoo artists, who lease space, are required to obtain a business license. Additionally, the salon/shop/location leasing the space must also have a business license.

I have a home cottage business (baked goods, crafts, etc.) and will be participating in local farmer’s markets for sales – do I need a business license?
Yes. Businesses that classify as “cottage industries” are required to have a city business license.

My business is headquartered elsewhere but I have an employee who works from their home in Tigard – do they need a business license?
If the employee is a traditional employee truly “working from home,” they do not need a business license. If they are working as an independent contractor to the company, a business license is required.

I am participating in a City-hosted event or am contracted by the City to provide services – do I need a business license?
Yes. All businesses providing goods or services in the city must have a business license. Depending on the duration of the event or your contract, a Temporary Business License may be an option.

My minor child (under 18 years old) wants to start a small business (babysitting, mowing lawns, washing cars, etc.) – do they need a business license?
No.

Do I need a business license for door-to-door solicitation?
Yes. Door-to-door solicitors must also be mindful of privately owned premises prohibiting door-to-door solicitation.

Annual Business License Fee

The Tigard Business License fee is based on the number of people working for the company in Tigard. For the purpose of computing the business license fee, the term "employee" includes the owner as well as his/her spouse if also engaged in the business. To compute the number of full-time equivalent employees, estimate the total number of hours worked by all employees (per year) and divide by 2,080.

# of Employees	Effective 7/1/25
0-2	$118
3-5	$160
6-10	$560
11-20	$916
21-50	$1,051
51-75	$1,146
76 or more	$1,551
Temporary Business License	$25
Change of Business Owner/Change of Business Name	$10

Business License Fee Waiver

Owners of new businesses in Tigard who complete one business-focused training program with one of the partners listed are eligible for a one-time, one-year City of Tigard business license fee waiver for their first year of operation in the City of Tigard.

If you’ve already applied for a City of Tigard business license and have not yet completed a program, the city can apply a fee waiver to your next business license fee when you renew — if you complete one of the training programs before the end of the first year in business.

Proof of your successful training completion is required with your business license application in order to apply the fee waiver.

More information about the Business License Fee Waiver

Other Licenses & Permits

Social Gaming License

Any business space that includes social gaming in the City of Tigard, must submit a Social Gaming License application with proper payment prior to starting operation.

Refer to TMC Chapter 5.22 for social gaming application requirements, establishment responsibilities, law enforcement inspections, fees, and civil penalties.

Right of Way License

All persons engaging in any activity within or using the City of Tigard’s rights of way must first apply and be approved for a right of way license. Every entity that owns utility facilities in the city and every entity that uses utility facilities in the city to provide services must also pay a quarterly right of way usage fee. A business license is required in addition to a right of way license.

Refer to TMC Chapter 15.06 for regulations related to utility services in public rights of way, including licensing and permitting requirements, fees, and penalties.

Liquor License

Any person or business that manufactures, imports, distributes, or sells alcoholic beverages must have a license from the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC). All OLCC license applications must be reviewed and approved by the city prior to issuance.

Please visit OLCC: Alcohol Licensing and Permits for additional state liquor licensing information.

Home Occupation Permit

Any Tigard resident that uses their home to engage in small-scale business ventures is required to obtain a Home Occupation Permit. When applicable, a home occupation must be approved before a business license can be issued. Refer to TMC Chapter 18.760 for details and provisions related to Home Occupations or contact the Planner on Duty for more information.

Alarm Permit

If your business has an active alarm system, you must have a Tigard Alarm Permit. Alarm permit applications and fees are due to the Tigard Police Department. Refer to TMC Chapter 11.08.030 for additional information or call 503-718-2777.

Other Agency Contacts