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1. If you operate a business in the city limits or provide a service to Billings’ residents do you need a business license?

Yes, you may obtain the license from City Finance, but the license is not valid until the appropriate city departments review the application for compliance and for safety considerations, which may take up to 30 days. For instance, commercial code enforcement reviews your license for zoning, compliance with the Standard Industrial Classification Manual, and for accuracy of information. Other city departments review the license as well for health, fire, and other safety considerations.

2. May I have employees come to my house when I have a home occupation to meet for a daily work assignment?

No, home occupations do not allow employees. If you have employees, they may not work out of your home. Employees of your business may work out of their or from a commercial building.

3. I am an independent contractor (construction or landscaping), may I park my construction equipment at my residence?

Home occupations allow for only one business vehicle that must be parked on an approved surface, such as concrete or pavement if parked in the front or side of the house. A business vehicle may include a truck with an attached trailer. The business vehicle may weigh up to 12,000 lbs (GVW) if parked on the property. Do not park your business vehicle on the street in front of your home. Commercial vehicles may not be stored on the street in residential areas unless they are providing service to a nearby home. All vehicles must be operational and licensed.

4. If I move, am I required to update my business license?

Yes, the business license may be invalidated if you do not update the information and/or if mail is returned.

5. If you close a business should I notify City Finance?

Yes.

6. When do I renew my business license?

Business licenses are valid for only 1 year at a time. The business owner is responsible for renewing the business license at least 30 days prior to expiration of the license.

7. I have a kiosk, Christmas tree lot, fireworks stand, or food cart so what kind of permit do I need?

In addition to a business license, the business needs a Temporary Use Permit from the Planning Division if your mobile or seasonal business is continuously located in the same spot for more than 3 days at a time. For example, if you park your food truck at the same parking lot every day and leave it there overnight for more than 3 days, you will need a Temporary Use Permit. The permit must be accompanied by a site permit including building size, location, dimensions of the lot and measurements to meet setbacks, traffic flow, stacking of vehicles (if applicable), parking, and exits. Your kiosk or food cart may not block exits and must comply with clear vision for street traffic. Temporary Use Permits must also be signed by the property owner. Temporary Use Permits may be renewable for locations where the use is located year round, such as a coffee kiosk. Seasonal (not a full year) uses cannot be renewed – a new permit is required each year. A renewal of a permit must be submitted at least 30 days in advance of expiration. Temporary structures that will be in place for longer than 90 consecutive days require a $1650 bond to accompany the application.

8. Do businesses that lease a building need to shovel the sidewalks?

Yes, the business is responsible for making sure the sidewalk is clear of snow. This includes the sidewalk adjacent to the street.

9. Are businesses responsible for mowing the lawn and weeds on or behind the property?

Yes, if you are renting the space you are responsible for the property maintenance unless the owner has agreed to take care of maintenance. Municipal code requires lawns and weeds to be kept below 4”.

10. My commercially zoned property is not currently occupied am I responsible for maintaining it for snow and weeds?

Yes.