Business Licensing

Thank you for your interest in doing business in West Linn!

Here are some simple steps to help you with our Business Licensing process:

How do I apply for a Business License? Follow the step-by-step instructions in the How Do I Apply? document.
How do I renew a Business License? Follow the step-by-step instructions in the How Do I Renew? document.
How do I check current licensing fees? Please click here. Please note the fees for business licensing may have changed.
How do I search for a business license? Please access the Citizenserve Business Licensing website link above. Once on the page, click on the "Search" function from the Menu at the top of page, select "Business Licenses", and enter in your search terms.
How do I let the City of West Linn know that I am going out of Business. Please fill out this form.

Questions? Please call the Finance Department at: 503-656-4261

Why does West Linn require a Business License?

West Linn’s Business License Municipal Code was enacted to ensure the public’s interest by regulating businesses to comply with applicable laws and ordinances.
Each business license is reviewed by our Planning department and, if needed, also our Building department to make sure that each business operates legally and in a way that does not detract from the public health, safety and welfare.
The cost of a business license goes into the City’s general fund. These funds pay for staff time to review and approve each license, and supports police and emergency planning efforts to keep our commercial districts safe. Your license fees also help support City’s Business Support & Economic Development efforts – it is our first connection to the business owner.
The City provides businesses support through outreach efforts, grant resources, connections to local economic development organizations and contributes to the management of the City’s Economic Development Committee.
The City administers this program and conducts enforcement as necessary.

To access West Linn's Business Licensing site, please visit: West Linn Business Licensing Powered by Citizenserve

Sidewalk Cafe Program

Please note that the City of West Linn requires a sidewalk cafe permit for a business to install temporary outdoor furnishings such as tables, chairs, benches, overhead cover, and related amenities in the public sidewalk right-of-way for the purpose of providing dining and/or beverage services, unless excepted in Section 7.954. The sidewalk café program is intended to allow businesses the opportunity to install outdoor seating areas for dining and beverage purposes that are located within the public right of way.