Ellensburg | Washington Department of Revenue

Requirements and fees

General business license

Variable

The city of Ellensburg 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.

License fee is determined by number of employees (FTEs) who work within the city limits of Ellensburg.

Method for calculating FTEs:

Total hours worked in the year by all employees, both full and part time, divided by 1,600 hours, equals number of FTEs. This includes self-employed persons, sole proprietors, owners, managers, and partners. New businesses must estimate the first year’s employee hours. Minimum number of employees is one.

Origination fee:

Total number of employees	License fee
1 through 5	$30
6 through 12	$65
13 through 25	$120
26 through 50	$150
51 or more	$200

Renewal fee:

Total number of employees	License fee
1 through 5	$30
6 through 12	$65
13 through 25	$120
26 through 50	$150
51 or more	$200

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

$10

If your business is in a residence within the city, you must comply with Ellensburg Municipal Code 6.54.120. For more information on home occupation requirements, contact the city directly.

Origination fee: $10

Renewal fee: $10

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 and number of full-time equivalent (FTEs) employees.

Method for calculating FTEs:

Origination fee:

Reported gross annual income	License fee
$0 through $2,000	No license required
Above $2,000	1 through 5 employees - $30 6 through 12 employees - $65 13 through 25 employees - $120 26 through 50 employees - $150 51 or more employees - $200

Renewal fee:

Reported gross annual income	License fee
$0 through $2,000	No license required
Above $2,000	1 through 5 employees - $30 6 through 12 employees - $65 13 through 25 employees - $120 26 through 50 employees - $150 51 or more employees - $200

Businesses exempt from city licensing

Your business may be exempt from getting a city business license. For more information, please contact the city directly or refer to Ellensburg Municipal Code 6.54.200.

Average approval time

Average approval time from date a completed application is received: 5 business days.