The Community Development Department only accepts building permit applications electronically through our online permitting software system. Once an application is received, the system will automatically send the applicant a link to check the status of their application.
The Community Development Department only accepts Business License applications electronically through our online permitting software. There is an option for an annual or a two year business license. The two-year business licenses are only available for home occupation licenses. Once an application is received, the system will automatically send the applicant a link to check the status of their application.
The Washington County Community Development Office will issue a business license following a review of your application and receipt of payment for businesses located within the unincorporated areas of the county. Businesses operating within an incorporated city or town should contact the appropriate municipal office for licensing requirements.
BUSINESS NAME REGISTRATION: If you plan to operate under a name other than your legal name, you must first register the business name with the Utah Department of Commerce. They can be reached at 801-530-6701 or online at corporations.utah.gov. The state-issued registration number must be included in your business license application.
SALES TAX: Sales tax generally applies to the sale of tangible personal property and certain services related to tangible personal property. Businesses that are required to collect sales tax must first register with the Utah State Tax Commission and obtain a sales tax number.
The Utah State Tax Commission may be contacted at 435-251-9520 or online at tax.utah.gov.
The location code for unincorporated Washington County is 27000. This code must be provided to any applicable third party responsible for processing or reporting sales tax on behalf of the business to ensure that sales tax is properly allocated to unincorporated Washington County.
STATE LICENSES: Businesses requiring state licensure (e.g., architects, contractors, cosmetologists, providers of behavioral mental health, etc.) must first obtain a license through relevant State entities such as the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL), Division of Licensing and Background Checks DLBC or relevant State departments. DOPL and DLBC can be reached at 801.273.4120, or online at dopl.utah.gov and dlbc.utah.gov. State license number(s) must be included in the business license application.
HEALTH PERMITS: Businesses requiring permits from the health department must obtain them through the Southwest Utah Public Health Department. They can be reached on 435.673.3528 or online at swuhealth.gov. A copy of the permit must be included in the business license application.
EIN: Those requiring a (federal) employer identification number must first obtain the number from the IRS. More information can be found on irs.gov. Your EIN must be included in the business license application.
Short-term rentals are permitted for a single-family dwelling, or the accessory dwelling, if it is owner-occupied. To qualify as an “owner-occupant” there shall be a primary residential exemption on the lot or parcel as determined by the Washington County Assessor’s office. The owner shall be a permanent, full-time resident at the same address.
The short-term rental ordinance can be found in Title 10 Chapter 13 Section 23.
For more information regarding primary residential exemption, visit the Washington County Assessor’s page here. Please note that short-term rentals will be subject to annual fire inspections and will need to comply with any State fire requirements.
Home occupations are regulated by Title 10 Chapter 26.
There are two categories of home occupation licenses: Major Home Occupations and Minor Home Occupations. The Community Development Department is available to assist in determining which category your proposed business falls under.
If your business is classified as a Major Home Occupation, you will be required to complete a business license application, and this is approved by staff. Minor Home Occupations do not require a business license; however, a courtesy license may be issued upon applying online and will be subject to business license fees.
Please note that home occupation licenses may be subject to annual health and safety inspections, fire inspections, or other inspections as required by state based on the nature of the business.
Apply for a Home Occupation Business License – 1 Year
Apply for a Home Occupation Business License – Two Year
Online Alcohol and Beer License Application
The County issues the following Alcohol & Beer Licenses and Permit:
- Manufacturing
- Package Agency
- Off-Premises Beer Retail
- On-Premises Beer Retail – Recreational
- Hotel w/ or w/out Room Service
- Restaurant – Beer Only
- Restaurant – Limited Service
- Restaurant – Full Service
- Brew Pub or Wine Bar *
- Reception Center **
- Single Event/Temp Beer Event Permit ***
Local Consents signed by the Director of Community Development are issued once an alcohol application is reviewed, approved and paid for, *A Brew Pub or Wine Bar will require Local Consent and approval from County Commission. A ** Reception Center will not require a Local Consent.
If applying for multiple alcohol licenses at the same time, a $225.00 alcohol fee will be charged for the first license, plus a $25.00 processing fee for each additional license.
Please be prepared to provide or upload proof of insurance and valid state-issued photo identification.
If the application is denied, the applicant will have the opportunity to appeal to the Washington County Commission.
For a Single Alcohol Event/Temporary Beer Event: A signed Local Consent form will be available after the application has been submitted, approved, and paid for. The form can be found here.
Home Occupation Business License – Two Year
Single Alcohol Event/Temp Beer Event
All business licenses expire on January 31 of each year and must be renewed annually or bi-annually for home occupations who opted and paid for a two-year license.
Renewal notices will be sent electronically through the County’s permitting software to the email address listed on your business app. Please call and update your business email address with us at (435) 301-7250. Renewal notices will no longer be mailed out. Please ensure your email is updated to receive reminders. Renewal reminder emails will be sent according to the following schedule:
- · January 1: First renewal reminder
- · January 8: Second renewal reminder
- · January 27: Third renewal reminder
- · February 25: Final renewal reminder before the late fee is assessed
A late fee will be assessed beginning March 1 for business license renewals that remain outstanding.
March 31 is the final deadline for renewing a business license with the applicable late fee. Renewal payments with late fee will not be accepted after March 31. Businesses that fail to renew by this deadline will be required to apply for a new Business License online. Please see business license application links in the Forms and Resources section.
Business licenses issued by Washington County can be searched for here.
Washington County has business licensing jurisdiction for unincorporated business locations. Businesses located in cities or towns with their own licensing divisions are to license with those entities.
Washington County Jurisdiction: Brookside, Canaan Gap, Central, Dameron Valley, Diamond Valley, East Enterprise Valley, Gunlock, Kolob Mountain, Leeds Area, Mountain Meadow, New Harmony Area, Pecan Valley, Pine Valley, Pinto, Pintura, Sky Ranch, Veyo, and Winchester.
City/Town Jurisdiction: Apple Valley Town, Enterprise City, Hildale, Hurricane, Ivins, La Verkin, Leeds, Rockville, Santa Clara, Springdale, St. George City, Toquerville, Virgin, Washington City
