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Form a Business

BUSINESS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

Salt Lake City Code tit. 5, div. I, ch. 5.02
in effect

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.005 DEFINITIONS

5.02.005: DEFINITIONS: For the purpose of this title, the following terms shall have the meanings herein prescribed: BUSINESS: Means and includes all activities, trades, professions, or callings engaged in within the corporate limits of Salt Lake City carried on for the business of gain or economic benefit, except that the acts of employees rendering service to employers shall not be included in the term "business" unless otherwise specifically prescribed. EMPLOYEE: The operator, owner or manager of said place of business and any persons employed by such person in the operation of the place of business in any capacity, and also any salesman, agent, leased employee or independent contractor engaged in the operation of said place of business in any capacity. ENGAGING IN BUSINESS: Means and includes, but is not limited to, the sale of tangible personal property at retail or wholesale, the manufacturing of goods or property, and the rendering of personal services for others for a consideration by persons engaged in any profession, trade, craft, business, occupation or other calling, except the rendering of personal services by an employee to his employer under any contract of personal employment. GROSS SALES: A. Shall not include: 1. The amount of any federal tax, except excise taxes imposed upon or with respect to retail or wholesale sales, whether imposed upon the retailer, wholesaler, jobber or upon the consumer, and regardless of whether or not the amount of federal tax is stated to customers as a separate charge; and 2. The amount of net Utah state sales tax. B. The term "gross sales" means and includes the amount of any manufacturer's or importer's excise tax included in the price of the property sold, even though the manufacturer or importer is also the wholesaler or retailer thereof, and whether or not the amount of such tax is stated as a separate charge. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: The average number of employees engaged in business at the place of business each regular working day during the preceding calendar year. In computing such number, each regular full time employee shall be counted as one full time employee and each employee which is not a regular full time employee shall be counted as a part time employee. PERSON: Any individual, receiver, assignee, trustee in bankruptcy, trust, estate, firm, partnership, joint venture, club, company, joint stock company, business trust, corporation, limited liability company, association, society or other group of individuals acting as a unit, whether mutual, cooperative, fraternal, nonprofit or otherwise, or any agent thereof. PLACE OF BUSINESS: Each separate location maintained or operated by the licensee within the city from which business activity is conducted or transacted. (Ord. 37-99 § 3, 1999: Ord. 88-97 § 1, 1997: Ord. 5-94 § 6, 1994: prior code § 20-3-1)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.010 LICENSE REQUIRED TO TRANSACT BUSINESS

5.02.010: LICENSE REQUIRED TO TRANSACT BUSINESS: It is unlawful for any person to engage in or carry on any business within Salt Lake City, for the transaction or carrying on of which a license is required, without first taking out or procuring a license required for such business. A license is required for all persons engaged in or carrying on business within Salt Lake City unless exempted from such licensure under these ordinances or under other applicable law. (Ord. 1-06 § 11, 2006: Ord. 37-99 § 3, 1999: prior code § 20-1-1)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.020 LICENSE SUPERVISOR; AUTHORITY

5.02.020: LICENSE SUPERVISOR; AUTHORITY: The license supervisor shall have charge of the license department, shall assess and collect all license taxes based upon the rates established by ordinance, shall enforce all the provisions of this title, and shall cause to be filed complaints against all persons violating any of the provisions of this title. (Prior code § 20-1-2)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.030 LICENSE SUPERVISOR; POWERS

5.02.030: LICENSE SUPERVISOR; POWERS: The license supervisor, and all license inspectors, in the discharge and performance of their official duties, shall have and exercise the following powers: A. Citations: To issue citations for the violation of any of the provisions of this title; B. Inspections: To enter, free of charge, at any reasonable time, any place of business or to stop, in accordance with the law, any vehicle for which license is required, and to demand the exhibition of such license for the current term from any person engaged or employed in the transaction of such business or the operation of such vehicle. (Ord. 37-99 § 3, 1999: prior code § 20-1-6)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.040 POLICE OFFICER LICENSE INSPECTION AUTHORITY

5.02.040: POLICE OFFICER LICENSE INSPECTION AUTHORITY: All police officers are hereby appointed ex officio inspectors, and are required to examine all places of business, persons and vehicles for whom a license is required, and shall determine that such places of business, persons and vehicles are properly licensed and that no business other than the one described in and covered by the license is transacted. They shall report to the license supervisor all persons doing business without a proper and valid license for such business. (Prior code § 20-1-7)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.050 LICENSE; ACTIVITIES AUTHORIZED

5.02.050: LICENSE; ACTIVITIES AUTHORIZED: No license granted or issued under any of the provisions of this chapter, or otherwise, shall be in any manner assignable or transferable; or authorize any person, other than is therein mentioned or named, to do business; or authorize any other business, calling, trade or profession than is therein mentioned or named to be done or transacted; or the business, calling, trade or profession therein mentioned or named to be done or transacted, at any place other than is therein mentioned or named, unless by permission of the Mayor. (Prior Code § 20-1-16)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.060 LICENSE; APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

5.02.060: LICENSE; APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: A. Written Application: Applications for licenses and permits required by this title shall be made in writing to the License Supervisor in the absence of provision to the contrary, which applications shall be made upon forms provided by the City. The application shall show: 1. Name: The name of the person desiring a license; 2. License Type: The kind of license desired, stating the business to be performed, practiced or carried on; 3. License Class: The class of license desired, if such licenses are divided into classes; 4. Place: The place where such business, calling, trade or profession is to be carried on, giving the street number if such business is to be carried on in any building or enclosure; 5. Term: The period of time for which such license is desired to be issued; 6. Photo Identification: A copy of a government-issued photo identification (such as a driver's license, passport, or similar form of identification) must also be included in the application. If the applicant is a corporation or a partnership, the photo identification required herein shall be provided with respect to at least one officer of a corporation or member of a partnership. 7. Registered Agent: The application shall also include the name, address, and phone number of the registered agent for any corporation or licensee. 8. Professional Licenses: Documentation demonstrating the applicant possesses any professional licenses or certifications required to operate the business identified in the application. 9. Additional Information: The application shall also state such additional information as may reasonably be required by the City as may be needed for the proper guidance of City officials in issuing the permit or license applied for. a. Such information may specifically include information to show that the applicant: (1) Meets all requirements of applicable City ordinances including requirements regarding unexpunged criminal convictions; (2) Is not in default under the provisions of any City ordinance; and (3) Is not indebted or obligated in any manner to the City, except for current taxes. b. It may also show that the proposed use of any premises by the applicant will not be in violation of City zoning regulations, that the principals of the applicant's business are properly bonded if bonding is required, and that the applicant will otherwise be in full compliance with all applicable City, State and Federal laws and ordinances. B. Accuracy: The truthfulness, completeness and accuracy of all of said information provided by applicant shall be attested to by the applicant or an authorized representative thereof. C. Not Misleading: Failure to provide all required information or providing false or misleading information in the application shall constitute grounds for denial of the application or revocation of an existing permit or license, and shall constitute a violation of this title, if done willfully with the intent to mislead the City. (Ord. 44-18, 2018)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.070 APPLICATION; NUMBERING AND FILING

5.02.070: APPLICATION; NUMBERING AND FILING: The applications, with accompanying statements and bonds, shall be numbered by the License Supervisor in the order in which they appear in the License Supervisor's Office and, after numbering, the bonds shall be filed in the Office of the License Supervisor, and the applications shall be filed in the Office of the License Supervisor in the order in which they are recorded in the assessment rolls. Each application shall bear its proper number and shall be filed in said office. (Ord. 5-94 § 1, 1994: Prior Code § 20-1-9)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.080 LICENSE; STATEMENT OF AMOUNT ASSESSED

5.02.080: LICENSE; STATEMENT OF AMOUNT ASSESSED: After the licensee has made application for a new business license, or for the renewal of an existing business license, as provided by the ordinances, the Office of Business Licensing shall furnish to the licensee, either personally, by mail, by electronic mail, or pursuant to an electronic application process, notice of all amounts assessed to the applicant as part of the business licensing application process. If any person applying for a new business license fails or refuses to pay the amounts assessed when they becomes due, then the application remains incomplete, and the City will not issue the new business license until the amounts assessed have been paid. If any person seeking the renewal of an existing business license fails or refuses to pay the amounts assessed when they become due, then the business license renewal process remains incomplete and the License Supervisor shall proceed to enforce collection of such unpaid amounts as provided by ordinance. (Ord. 35-22, 2022: Prior Code § 20-1-10)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.090 INVESTIGATION; ENGAGING IN BUSINESS PROHIBITED WHEN

5.02.090: INVESTIGATION; ENGAGING IN BUSINESS PROHIBITED WHEN: It is unlawful for any person applying for a license which requires investigation by a department of city government to engage in the business for which application is made until such investigation be completed and the license approved and issued. (Prior code § 20-1-11)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.100 INVESTIGATION POWERS

5.02.100: INVESTIGATION POWERS: A. Investigation: Prior to the issuance of any business license required by this title, the city may investigate any applicant for such license to ensure such applicant, proposed business, and proposed place of business comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Such investigation may include entry into the proposed business premises. B. Documents Production: Unless the business license application is withdrawn by the applicant, and no business operations are taking place without the required license the city may compel the production of documents in order to conduct such investigation. C. Continuing Powers: In the event that a license is issued pursuant to this title, the license holder and place of business shall be subject to ongoing inspections and investigation to determine continued compliance with the terms and conditions of the license and all applicable laws, rules and regulations. (Ord. 50-25, 2025: Ord. 37-99 § 3, 1999: Ord. 88-86 § 38, 1986: prior code § 20-1-30)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.110 LICENSE; ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE

5.02.110: LICENSE; ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE: A. Formal Requirements: All certificates of license shall be signed by the mayor, attested by the city recorder under the seal of the city, and shall contain the following information: 1. The name of the person to whom such certificate has been issued; 2. The kind of license, and the class of license, if such licenses are divided into classes; 3. The term of the license, stating the commencing date and the expiration date. B. Issuance Approval: No new business license certificate which requires inspection or approval of any department of city government, whether new or renewal, shall be provided to the licensee until issuance of such license has been approved by the mayor or the mayor's designee. (Ord. 35-22, 2022: Ord. 37-99 § 3, 1999: Ord. 88-97 § 1, 1997: prior code § 20-1-14)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.115 TIME LIMITATIONS

5.02.115: TIME LIMITATIONS: License Issuance Limitations: Unless otherwise specified by a specific ordinance, the city has thirty (30) days in which to complete its review and approve or deny a license. If a review cannot be completed within thirty (30) days, a conditional license may be issued to the applicant subject to completion of the review, verifying the applicant meets all license requirements. (Ord. 50-25, 2025: Ord. 8-03 § 1, 2003)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.120 LICENSE; TERM; RENEWAL

5.02.120: LICENSE; TERM; RENEWAL: Except as provided in subsection B of this section or its successor, all licenses shall be payable annually in advance. A. Licenses Issued Prior To January 1, 1994: Except for businesses regulated under title 6 of this code, all licenses issued by the city prior to January 1, 1994, shall date from the date of issuance and shall expire on December 31 of each year, so long as the license is renewed annually without interruption. B. Title 6 Licenses: All licenses issued by the city to businesses regulated under title 6 of this code prior to January 1, 1994, which are renewed without interruption for 1995 shall date from the date of issuance and shall expire on June 30, 1995. Said licenses shall be payable in advance for the period of January 1, 1995, through June 30, 1995. Said licenses shall be renewable on July 1, 1995, and shall expire on June 30 of each year thereafter and shall be issued for one year so long as the license is renewed annually without interruption, except temporary licenses, which shall be issued for a period of not longer than two hundred ten (210) days, and class D, special events licenses, which shall be for a period not to exceed seven (7) days. Annual licenses renewed for the period beginning July 1, 1995, shall be payable annually in advance. C. Licenses Issued January 1, 1994, Or After: All licenses issued by the city on or after January 1, 1994, shall date from issuance by the city and shall expire the next calendar year on the first day of the same month as the original issuance. (Ord. 37-99 § 3, 1999: Ord. 109-94 § 1, 1994: Ord. 5-94 § 2, 1994: prior code § 20-1-3)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.140 INDEX OF LICENSEES

5.02.140: INDEX OF LICENSEES: The license supervisor shall keep a suitable index containing the names of the licensees, and the names of each class of miscellaneous licensees shall be arranged alphabetically in the miscellaneous license roll. (Prior code § 20-1-4)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.160 LICENSE; POSTING AND DISPLAY REQUIRED

5.02.160: LICENSE; POSTING AND DISPLAY REQUIRED: Every certificate of license issued shall be posted by the licensee in a conspicuous place upon the wall of the building, room or office of the store or place in which such licensed business, calling, trade or profession is carried on, so that the same may be easily seen, and when such certificate of license shall have expired it shall be removed by the licensee from such place in which it has been posted; and no certificate of license which is not in force and effect shall be permitted to remain posted upon the wall or any part of any room, store, office or place of business after the period of such certificate or license has expired. It shall be the duty of each and every person to whom a certificate of license has been issued to show the same at any proper time when requested so to do by any police officer or license inspector. (Prior code § 20-1-15)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.170 LICENSE; FEE REFUND PROHIBITED

5.02.170: LICENSE; FEE REFUND PROHIBITED (Rep. by Ord. 37-99 § 3, 1999) Notes 1 | 1. See section 5.04.094 of this title.

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.180 BOARD OF EQUALIZATION; CITY COUNCIL POWERS

5.02.180: BOARD OF EQUALIZATION; CITY COUNCIL POWERS: (Rep. by Ord. 37-99 § 1, 1999)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.190 LICENSE; LATE PAYMENT; PENALTY

5.02.190: LICENSE; LATE PAYMENT; PENALTY (Rep. by Ord. 37-99 § 3, 1999) Notes 1 | 1. See section 5.04.114 of this title.

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.195 NONPAYMENT OF LICENSE RENEWAL FEE

5.02.195: NONPAYMENT OF LICENSE RENEWAL FEE: If any license is not renewed or license renewal fees are not paid, and the former licensee conducts any business for which a license is required during the unlicensed period, the former licensee shall pay all license renewal fees and penalties for the period of time during which no business license was in effect. No license shall be renewed until all such fees are paid. (Ord. 37-99 § 2, 1999)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.200 LICENSE; FEE COLLECTION; CIVIL ACTIONS AUTHORIZED

5.02.200: LICENSE; FEE COLLECTION; CIVIL ACTIONS AUTHORIZED (Rep. by Ord. 37-99 § 3, 1999) Notes 2 | 2. See section 5.04.116 of this title.

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.210 LICENSE; TRANSFER OF NAME OR LOCATION; FEE

5.02.210: LICENSE; TRANSFER OF NAME OR LOCATION; FEE: A. Location Transfer: Any person to whom a business license has been issued to transact or carry on some business at a definite location in the city may make application for the transfer of his/her business license for the sole purpose of transacting or carrying on the same business as is therein mentioned at some other definite location in the city by himself or herself by filing said application with the license supervisor, together with the fee shown on the Salt Lake City consolidated fee schedule. B. Name Change: Any person who wishes to change his/her business name for the sole purpose of transacting or carrying on the same business under a new name, shall file an application for the change of name on such person's business license with the license supervisor, along with the fee shown on the Salt Lake City consolidated fee schedule. C. Fee For Transfer: If the business in question has any other licenses which are required under this title, or its successor, the fee for a change of address shall be as shown on the Salt Lake City consolidated fee schedule and the fee for a change of name shall be as shown on the Salt Lake City consolidated fee schedule. D. Refundability: If the application is granted, the transfer fee shall be deposited in the city treasury. If the application is denied the transfer fee shall be returned to applicant. The mayor, or the mayor's designee, after receiving reports which shall be furnished by the license supervisor, the police department and the board of health, when necessary, may in their discretion, deny or grant the transfer of any or all of the said licenses strictly within the above limitations. (Ord. 24-11, 2011)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.220 LICENSE; TRANSFER TO OTHER PERSONS PROHIBITED

5.02.220: LICENSE; TRANSFER TO OTHER PERSONS PROHIBITED: No license granted or issued under any of the provisions of any ordinance of the city shall be in any manner assignable, transferable or authorize any person other than the person named therein as the licensee to do the licensed business, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by ordinance. (Prior code § 20-1-18)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.240 SPECIAL HEARINGS; FEE

5.02.240: SPECIAL HEARINGS; FEE: Any person desiring a license for which a special public hearing is required shall pay the fee shown on the Salt Lake City consolidated fee schedule before said hearing shall be set or advertised. In addition, such person shall pay all expenses incurred by the city with respect to said hearing, including fees charged by a hearing examiner, costs of recording or reporting such hearing, costs of transcription, and all other such actual costs. (Ord. 24-11, 2011)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.250 LICENSE; DENIAL, SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION; CONDITIONS

5.02.250: LICENSE; DENIAL, SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION; CONDITIONS: A. Conditions of Denial, Suspension or Revocation: The licensee shall be responsible for the operation of the licensed premises in conformance with the ordinances of the city. Any business license issued by the city may be suspended or revoked, and any application for any business license or for the renewal of any business license may be denied due to any of the following arising out of or otherwise related to the application for, or the operation of, the business at issue: 1. The applicant or place of business does not meet the qualifications for a license; 2. Nonpayment of required fees; 3. An incomplete application; 4. Noncompliance with any requirement or condition associated with a city approval associated with the business (i.e. conditional use permit, development agreement, variance); 5. A violation of or a conviction for violating any ordinance regulating or governing the business for which said license was granted; 6. A violation of or conviction for violating any other city ordinance or law of the state which affects the health, welfare or safety of its residents, including, but not limited to, a public nuisance, and which violation or conviction relates to the business so licensed or to be licensed; 7. A violation of or conviction for violating an ordinance which violation or conviction resulted from the operation of the business so licensed; 8. Any material misrepresentation or any fraud perpetrated on the licensing authority through application for, or operation of, said business; or 9. The applicant or licensee has refused authorized representatives of the city access to the place of business for the purpose of an inspection or has interfered with such representatives while in the performance of their duty in making such inspection. B. Other Grounds Not Precluded: These violations shall not limit, but shall be in addition to, other grounds for the denial, suspension or revocation of any license as provided for by ordinance. C. Theaters; Prior Violations: The foregoing provisions of this section notwithstanding, nothing herein shall authorize a revocation or suspension of any license of any theater, motion picture house or concert hall, based on a prior conviction or violation of exhibition or distribution of obscene material. (Ord. 50- 25, 2025: Ord. 37-99 § 3, 1999: Ord. 88-86 § 38, 1986: prior code § 20-1-24)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.260 LICENSE; DENIAL, SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION; PROCEDURE

5.02.260: LICENSE; DENIAL, SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION; PROCEDURE: Any suspension, revocation or denial of a license may be appealed pursuant to Chapter 2.75. Suspension or revocation shall not take effect until the time period for appealing the decision has expired or, if applicable, a decision is issued as a result of a timely appeal. (Ord. 50-25, 2025: Ord. 1-06 § 12, 2006: Ord. 37-99 § 3, 1999: Ord. 88-86 § 38, 1986: prior code § 20-1-25)

Salt Lake City Code § 5.02.270 NEW LICENSE APPLICATION; WAITING PERIOD REQUIRED WHEN

5.02.270: NEW LICENSE APPLICATION; WAITING PERIOD REQUIRED WHEN: It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or any agent, manager or operator of any person, corporation or firm who has had a license suspended, revoked or denied to reapply for or obtain a license, or operate a business, which has been so suspended, revoked or denied during the time that said license has been revoked, suspended or denied or for a period of one (1) year from the effective date of said suspension, revocation, or denial if no period of debarment is specified by the order of suspension, revocation, or denial. (Ord. 50-25, 2025: Ord. 37-99 § 3, 1999: Ord. 88-86 § 38, 1986: prior code § 20-1-29)
Source: Salt Lake City, Utah, City Code (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/saltlakecityut/latest/saltlakecity_ut/0-0-0-45660Fetched: 11/1/2026

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