Show All Answers

1. What is a Business License?

A Business License is city permission to operate a legal business within the boundaries of the issuing government body. In Bluffdale City Ordinance 3-1-1, the term 'business' includes all activities engaged in within the city carried on for the purpose of gain or economic profit, except that the acts of employees rendering services to employers shall not be included in the term business, unless otherwise specifically provided.

2. Who Needs a Business License?

All businesses being conducted from a location in Bluffdale City are generally subject to licensing requirements. However, certain business professions are specifically exempt by the State of Utah from license fees. Even though these professions are exempt from license fees, they typically are not exempt from the rest of the license process including filing a valid license application and completing necessary safety inspections or zoning requirements. 

If your business will be located in a commercial zone, it is advisable that you contact the Planning and Zoning department at 801-858-0510 for specific zoning requirements and restrictions prior to signing a lease or filing a license application. If you are not sure that your business requires a license or if you feel that your business may qualify for a special exemption, you may contact the Business License office directly at 801-254-2200 for clarification.

3. How do I apply for a Bluffdale City Business License?

Please contact the Business License Official (801-849-9402) for specific forms, information and requirements if your business entity is:

• Temporary or itinerant in nature
• Involved with the sale or consumption of alcohol
• Door-to-door soliciting or mobile vending
• A sexually oriented business
• Firearms dealer
• Pawn shop or a second hand dealer
• Massage Therapy Establishment

If the State of Utah requires a license for your profession, you will be asked to submit a copy at the time of application.

The State of Utah, in cooperation with several local government entities, has developed a "One-Stop Business Registration" website.  This website streamlines many of the processes for registering a new business. The site is available 24 / 7 and will guide you through a series of questions designed to determine which State or Federal registrations and forms are applicable to your type of business. Many of the assigned tax numbers, business registrations and accounts assigned through this site are a necessary precursor to the business license process. It is easy and a lot less time consuming and cumbersome than physically visiting each agency in person.

A Bluffdale City license is required in addition to any state license