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Federal Way city endorsement
Requirements and fees
General business license
Variable
The city of Federal Way 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 determined by number of employees who work within the city limits of Federal Way.
Method for calculating FTEs
Add up all employees, part-time and full-time, which will give you the number of FTEs. This includes self-employed persons, sole proprietors, owners, managers, and partners.
Origination fee:
Total number of employees |
License fee |
|---|---|
| 0 through 10 | $81 |
| 11 through 25 | $126 |
| 26 through 50 | $251 |
| 51 through 100 | $1501 |
| 101 through 500 | $4501 |
| 501 or more | $9501 |
Renewal fee:
Total number of employees |
License fee |
|---|---|
| 0 through 10 | $81 |
| 11 through 25 | $126 |
| 26 through 50 | $251 |
| 51 through 100 | $1501 |
| 101 through 500 | $4501 |
| 501 or more | $9501 |
Nonprofit businesses
$0
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 business
$51
If your business is in a residence within the city, you must comply with Federal Way Municipal Code 19.270. For more information on home occupation requirements, contact the city directly.
Origination fee: $51
Renewal fee: $51
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 | $81 |
Renewal fee:
Reported gross annual income |
License fee |
|---|---|
| $0 through $2,000 | $0 |
| Above $2,000 | $81 |
Mobile food and retail vendors
Variable
All mobile food or retail vendors are subject to requirements of Federal Way Revised Code 19.290.
All mobile food or retail vendors operating in the city of Federal Way must complete and submit a Mobile Food or Retail Vendor Supplemental Checklist to the city of Federal Way at the time of their Business License Application or Renewal.
Mobile Vendors that operate more than 180 days on an improved property are “Class III" mobile vendors. Class III mobile vendors that are accessory to an established use must complete and submit a Mobile Food or Retail Vendor Permit Application. Class III mobile vendors that are the principal use on the property are subject to a Use Process I land use application and must apply directly to the city with a Master Land Use Application.
For more information on mobile food or retail vendor requirements, contact the city directly.
Businesses exempt from city licensing
Your business may be exempt from getting a city business license. For more information, please contact the city directly.
Average approval time
City approval time not available. Contact the city directly for more information.
