Home-Based Business

If you plan to operate a business out of your home, you will need to obtain a City of Richland business license endorsement through the State of Washington, Department of Revenue.

Applying for a City of Richland Home Occupation Business License certifies you have read and agree to comply with the requirements listed in our Richland Municipal Code.

Temporary Business & Special Event Licensing

Temporary business licenses are issued for temporary activities such as:

• Trade shows
• Promotional events
• Itinerant merchants
• Solicitors

“Special event” means:

• Any gathering of 30 or more people at any public park for a common purpose or event;
• Any procession (e.g., a parade) that does not follow normal traffic regulations; or
• Any other organized activity that involves the use of public facilities and the possible use of City services

Requirements for a temporary business and special event license include:

• Completed Temporary Business License Application
• A vendor list, when applicable
• Customer Service must receive applications at least seven business days before the event start date

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Vehicle-Based Food Service (Mobile Food Vendor)

Vehicle-Based Food Service Vendors (Mobile Food Vendors) must get a business license for both the State and City through the State of Washington Department of Revenue. Vendors who plan to stay in one place and operate for no longer than 30 days in a parking lot or on City property are considered an "itinerant merchant" and can complete a Temporary Business License Application.

Once applications have been submitted, applicants are required to complete our Mobile Food Vendor Addendum.

The following items are required prior to business license approval:

• Applicable Business License Application
• Mobile Food Vendor Addendum
• Valid Benton-Franklin Health District Permit
• City of Richland Fire Department Vehicle Inspection Approval
• Approval From entity that owns the underlying land where operating:
  • City of Richland Parks and Facilities Contract/Approval (If operating on City property)
  • Permit, written agreement, or contract from property owner (If operating on private property)
• Detailed map of proposed location and layout
• City Fire Department Inspection, if applicable
• Parks and Facilities Approval, if applicable

View the Mobile Food Vendor Addendum

Solicitor & Canvasser Licenses

Solicitor and canvasser’s licenses are issued to individuals upon application approval and payment of any necessary fees:

Licenses must be carried at all times while soliciting or canvassing in the City of Richland. For more information, refer to the Richland Municipal Code.

Get Started with a Solicitor or Canvasser License

Special Business License

Special Business Licenses are required for Taxicab or Transportation Network Companies (TNC) who:

• Have one or more drivers;
• Transport passengers or property for compensation; or
• Operate within the limits of the City of Richland

Note: Special business licenses are not required for independent TNC contractors and drivers. However, all TNC drivers or independent contractors operating in Richland must complete a City of Richland Business License application through the Department of Revenue as indicated above.

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Fireworks Stand Permit

The following is required to sell or discharge fireworks within the City:

• Compliance with Washington State Fireworks Law, Chapter 70.77 RCW, and Chapter 212-17 WAC
• Compliance with Richland Municipal Code 20.02 Fire Prevention Code
• Approved Itinerant Merchant application for public display and/or retail sales of fireworks
• With your application, submit a letter from the person legally responsible for the property on which the display and/or sale will take place

Apply Here