Burien | Washington Department of Revenue

Requirements and fees

General business license

Variable

The city of Burien requires a license for all businesses located within city limits, or conducting business within city limits. If you are not sure if you will do business within the city limits, contact the city directly before you apply.

If you will have more than one business located on a single property, you must complete a separate application for each business.

License fee is determine by number of employees who work within the city limits of Burien.

Employee definition: Any individual, whether employed full-time or part-time, located within the city, either permanently or temporarily, on the payroll of the business at the time of application for the business license.

Origination fee:

Employee fee calculation

Total number of employees	License fee
0 through 39	$180
40 or more	$350

Renewal fee:

Employee fee calculation

Total number of employees	License fee
0 through 39	$180
40 or more	$350

Nonprofit businesses

If you are a nonprofit business, you may be exempt from city fees. To qualify you must submit a copy of your business’ IRS 501(c) certificate with your application.

Origination fee: $0

Renewal fee: $0

Home businesses

$70

If your business is in a residence within the city, you must comply with Burien Municipal Code 19.17.090. For more information on home occupation requirements, contact the city directly.

Origination fee: $70

Renewal fee: $70

Non-resident businesses

Variable

If your business is physically located outside city limits, but conducts business within city limits, your license fee is determined by gross annual income earned within this city’s limits:

Origination fee:

Reported gross annual income	License fee
$0 through $2,000	$0
Above $2,000	$180

Renewal fee:

Reported gross annual income	License fee
$0 through $2,000	$0
Above $2,000	$180

Rental housing businesses

Variable

An owner or landlord renting or leasing a residential housing unit within Burien city limits shall obtain and maintain a rental housing business license for each rental property complex. The following property rental units are exempt: Single-family residences; mobile or manufactured homes; condominiums and townhomes; government owned or managed rental units; and accessory dwelling units. For more information, see Burien Municipal Code 5.62.040, or contact the city directly.

Please note: Hotels, motels, short-term rentals such as Airbnb; institutional housing; shelters and transitional housing will need to obtain a General Business or Nonprofit Business endorsement.