Skip to main content
My DOR and other online services will be down for maintenance from 5 p.m. PST Friday, January 17, 2025, to 8 a.m. PST Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
Kennewick city endorsement
Requirements and fees
General business license
Variable
The city of Kennewick 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, check the city's Geographic Information System (GIS) or contact the city directly before you apply.
Important notice: If you are no longer doing business in Kennewick, please cancel your city of Kennewick endorsement. The city of Kennewick endorsements are not transferrable to other cities and, if renewed in error, the city will not issue refunds.
The license fee is determined by number of employees (FTEs) who work within the city limits of Kennewick.
Method for calculating FTEs
Total hours worked in the year, divided by 1,920 hours, equals number of FTEs. This includes full-time, part-time, temporary employees, self-employed persons, sole proprietors, owners, managers, and partners. New businesses must estimate the first year’s employee hours.
Origination fee:
|
License fee: |
$55 |
|---|---|
|
Employee fee: |
$5 per full-time employee (FTE). The minimum number of employees is one. |
Renewal fee:
|
License fee: |
$55 |
|---|---|
|
Employee fee: |
$5 per full-time employee (FTE). The minimum number of employees is one. |
Home businesses
Variable
If your business is in a residence within the city, you must comply with Kennewick Municipal Code 18.42.090. For more information on home occupation requirements, contact the city directly.
Submitting an application for a city of Kennewick Home Occupation Business License certifies that you have read and agree to comply with Kennewick Municipal Code 18.42.090.
The license fee is determined by number of employees (FTEs) who work within the city limits of Kennewick.
Method for calculating FTEs
Total hours worked in the year, divided by 1,920 hours, equals number of FTEs. This includes full-time, part-time, temporary employees, self-employed persons, sole proprietors, owners, managers, and partners. New businesses must estimate the first year’s employee hours.
Origination fee:
|
License fee: |
$55 |
|---|---|
|
Employee fee: |
$5 per full-time employee (FTE). The minimum number of employees is one. |
Renewal fee:
|
License fee: |
$55 |
|---|---|
|
Employee fee: |
$5 per full-time employee (FTE). The minimum number of employees is one. |
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:
Method for calculating FTEs
Total hours worked in the year, divided by 1,920 hours, equals number of FTEs. This includes full-time, part-time, temporary employees, self-employed persons, sole proprietors, owners, managers, and partners. New businesses must estimate the first year’s employee hours.
Origination fee:
|
Reported gross annual income |
License fee |
|---|---|
|
$0 through $12,000 |
No license required |
|
Above $12,000 |
$55 + $5 per full-time employee (FTE). The minimum number of employees is one. |
Renewal fee:
|
Reported gross annual income |
License fee |
|---|---|
|
$0 through $12,000 |
No license required |
|
Above $12,000 |
$55 + $5 per full-time employee (FTE). The minimum number of employees is one. |
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 Kennewick Municipal Code 6.08.290.
Average approval time
Average approval time from date a completed application is received: 10 business days.
