Chapter 5.01
BUSINESS REGISTRATION
Sections:
5.01.010 Definitions.
5.01.020 Purpose.
5.01.030 Registration required--Certificate
5.01.040 Nonlocal businesses.
5.01.050 Local businesses.
5.01.060 Registration certificate--Fee--Renewal.
5.01.070 Registration certificate--Issuance, posting and validity.
5.01.080 Violation--Penalty.
5.01.010 Definitions.
When used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
A. "Business activities" includes, but is not limited to: (1) the sale of goods, wares, or merchandise, whether at retail or wholesale, and (2) the provision of a service to clients, customers, or patients in exchange for compensation. It is the intent of this definition that it shall include, but not be limited to, all activities for which there is imposed a responsibility for the payment of that certain tax levied by the state pursuant to RCW Chapter 82.04.
B. "Local business" means any person, partnership, corporation or entity of a form whatsoever, which or who operates or maintains a store, place or office of any kind whatsoever within the corporate limits of the city for the purpose of business activity or activities. Each such store, place, or office shall be considered a separate place even though more than one such store, place or office is owned by the same person, partnership, firm or entity.
C. "Nonlocal business" means any person, partnership, corporation or entity of any form whatsoever, which or who engages in business activities within the corporate limits of the city but does not maintain a store, place, or office of any kind whatsoever within the corporate limits of the city. (Ord. 641 §3, 1977).
5.01.020 Purpose.
It is in the public interest that the city be at all times informed as to the individuals, partnerships, corporations or business entities of any form whatsoever which are carrying out business activities, as defined by Section 5.01.010, within the corporate limits of the city. It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to require that all businesses, of whatsoever type, that carry out business activities within the corporate limits of the city, whether they maintain a place of business within these corporate limits or not, shall at all times being operated obtain from the clerk-treasurer and be in possession of the business license/certificate of registration established by Section 5.01.030. (Ord. 641 §1, 1977).
5.01.030 Registration required--Certificate.
Any business engaging in business activities within the corporate limits of the city shall register with the city clerk-treasurer and obtain the registration certificate established by this chapter. The certificate so obtained shall be issued in the form and manner, for the period, and upon the payment of the fee and under the terms and conditions established by this chapter. (Ord. 641 §2, 1977).
5.01.040 Nonlocal businesses.
Any nonlocal business should obtain the registration certificate required or established by Section 5.01.030 and comply with the requirements thereof prior to the first transaction or activity which fits within the definition of "business activity" in any manner whatsoever. (Ord. 641 §4, 1977).
5.01.050 Local businesses.
Any local business conducting business activities upon the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall register with the city clerk-treasurer within sixty days of said effective date. The registration shall be in such form and through such procedure as is established by this chapter. Any local business established after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall complete the registration within ten days of the establishment of said business.
The following actions shall be considered prima facie evidence of an intent to enter into a local business as the term is utilized in this chapter:
A. Secure a location from which to conduct business;
B. Establish a stock of merchandise;
C. Commence advertising announcing the opening or establishment of a business within the corporate limits of the city. (Ord. 641 §5, 1977).
5.01.060 Registration certificate--Fee--Renewal.
The annual fee for the issuance of the registration certificate established by Section 5.01.030 shall be twenty-five dollars. The certificate shall be valid for the calendar year in which it is issued and shall be renewed for each calendar year. Renewal application shall be made in December of each calendar year; provided, that in the event a business will cease operation no later than January 5th of the following year, no such application for renewal need be made. The fee for an annual renewal shall be twenty-five dollars. The fee shall accompany the application, whether it is an initial application or an annual renewal application. (Ord. 739 §1, 1981: Ord. 641 §6, 1977).
5.01.070 Registration certificate--Issuance, posting and validity.
Upon receipt and processing of an initial or renewal application, the clerk-treasurer shall issue a certificate of registration in such form as is deemed appropriate by the clerk-treasurer. The certificate of registration shall be posted in the place of business within the area of the business open to the public and in such a manner as to be readily visible to a customer thereof. The location of the posting shall be disclosed to any person asking to view the license. The certificate shall be valid for the calendar year designated thereon and shall be nontransferable. It shall be unlawful to operate any business, whether local or nonlocal, to conduct business activities within the corporate limits of the city, except while in compliance with this chapter and in possession of the certificate of registration. (Ord. 1062 §1, 2005: Ord. 641 §7, 1977).
5.01.080 Violation--Penalty.
It is unlawful to operate any business within the corporate limits of the city except while in compliance with the requirements of this chapter. Upon conviction of a first violation of this chapter, the defendant shall be subject to a fine of up to five hundred dollars. Upon conviction of a second or subsequent violation of this chapter, the defendant shall be subject to a fine of up to five hundred dollars and/or imprisonment for a period up to six months. (Ord. 641 §8, 1977).