FAQs

Business Licenses

• Are remote workers or telecommuters required to have a business license?

  Generally, remote workers who simply work from home for out-of-town companies which are doing work which is primarily outside of Hermiston, are not considered to be “doing business” in Hermiston.

• Are there any exemptions to the business license requirement?

  Yes, some examples include:

  • Youth-run businesses: A child selling cookies or lemonade on the sidewalk for a few days is not required to get a license.
  • Part of a licensed business: Independent contractors (like beauticians) working under a larger, licensed business do not need their own license if the larger business includes them for the purposes of calculating FTE for their own license.
  • Garage sales: Exempt unless the sale exceeds 72 hours or the individual holds more than 5 garage sales in a year.
  • Non-profits and government entities: These are not required to pay the fee, but their private contractors/vendors who are not considered employees of the non-profit or government entity, must obtain licensing and pay all fees.

  See § 119.14 for more details.

• Are there any exemptions to the business license requirement?

  Certain businesses may be exempt, including certain government activities and specific nonprofit organizations. Refer to § 119.05 for a complete list of exemptions.

• Can a prime-contractor obtain one license for a single construction project?

  A prime contractor may obtain a single business license for large projects involving multiple subcontractors, where the prime contractor applies for the license in lieu of each subcontractor getting a separate license. This applies to construction projects as defined in § 119.13.

• Can City officials inspect my business premises?

  Yes, authorized City officials can inspect business premises to ensure compliance with licensing regulations. If access is denied, the City may seek a warrant. This is explained in § 119.14.

• Can I operate multiple businesses under one license?

  Generally, each distinct business operation requires its own license.

• Do I need a special license for a trade show or carnival?

  Yes, promoters of trade shows or carnivals must apply for a special license as outlined in § 119.12. This license is necessary to allow vendors to operate under one umbrella for a short time.

• How do I apply for a business license?

  You can complete the online application form here.

• How long is my business license valid?

  A business license is valid for the calendar year in which it is issued, and renewal is required each January. Refer to § 119.09 for more details.

• How will the City track and enforce business licenses?

  The City will use software to administer and track business licenses. City officials will monitor compliance, and businesses may face penalties for failing to obtain a license. The fee will be due annually on January 1, and businesses will need to renew their license each year.

• What are the penalties for operating without a business license?

  Violations can result in fines of up to $1,000 per offense. Ongoing violations may lead to further legal action. See § 119.14 for more details.

• What happens if my business violates the licensing requirements?

  If your business is found to be operating without a valid license or in violation of the rules, it may be subject to fines, abatement, or other penalties. For further details, refer to § 119.14.

• What happens if my license application is denied, suspended, or revoked?

  You have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal must be filed within 15 days of the denial, suspension, or revocation. The appeal process is outlined in § 119.11.

• What is required to operate a business in Hermiston?

  A business license is required for any person or entity conducting business within the City of Hermiston. This includes operating a business from home, and businesses located elsewhere which may temporarily doing business within Hermiston. Please refer to § 119.04 for specific license requirements.

• What is the fee structure for the business license?

  The fee is based on the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) employees a business has, and whether the business has a permanent location within city limits. Use the calculator on the Business Licenses page.