Business » Business Resources » Licenses

Determine if You Need a Business License

You need a business license to operate certain types of businesses in Salem. You also need a license to operate a special event at your property when you charge a fee for that event.

Fees for business licenses vary by license type.

Only the following businesses need a business license in Salem:

License Type Requirements Salem Revised Code (SRC)
Marijuana business registration Application Form
Copy of State License 		SRC Chapter 31
Multifamily housing:
  • Hotel/motel
  • Apartment
  • Homeless shelter
  • Retirement apartment
  • Room and board
 Application Form SRC 59.400
Short-term rental Application Form
Transient occupancy tax (TOT) operator registration form
Copy of approved conditional use permit (if applicable)
Site plan [SRC 30.050(a)(7)(F)]
Floor plan of dwelling unit [SRC 30.050(a)(7)(H)]
Safety certification
Proof of insurance 		SRC 30.1100 - 30.1110
Accessory short-term rental Application Form
Transient occupancy tax (TOT) operator registration form
Floor plan of dwelling unit/guest house [SRC 30.050(a)(2)(I)]
Safety certification
Written authorization from property owner (if applicant is a tenant of the dwelling unit rather than the owner)
Proof that applicant resides in the dwelling unit to be rented
Proof of insurance

 

 SRC 30.1000 - 30.1010; SRC 700.006
Vehicles for hire agency:
  • Taxi company
  • Wheelchair coaches
  • Transportation network vehicles (Uber and Lyft drivers)
No license required for the following:
  • Limousine driver
  • Ambulance driver
  • Funeral escort drivers
 Application Form
Insurance Certificate (Agency) 		SRC 30.700 - 30.745
Street vendors/pushcart Application Form
Insurance Certificate
Health Certificates 		SRC 30.900
Mobile food units Application Form
Site Plan 		SRC 30.050(a)(4)
Tree trimmers: Working with trees located on public streets, sidewalks, parks or other public right-of-ways. Application Form
Insurance certificate
Pass a public works tree trimming exam 		SRC 30.050(a)(8)
Dealers in used merchandise:
  • Junk dealer
  • Pawn broker
  • Second hand dealer
 Application Form
Background Check
Site Plan 		SRC 30.050(a)(3)
Special events: A fee-based special activity at a privately-owned location that does not normally operate the requested type of activity.

Activities include:
  • Dances
  • Movies
  • Plays
  • Concerts
  • Circuses
  • Carnivals
  • Exhibitions
  • Sports
  • Haunted houses
  • Other live, filmed or televised performances
 Application Form
Background Check 		SRC 30.050(a)(6)
Night club Application Form
Background Check 		SRC 30.050(a)(5)
Automobile race tracks Application Form
Background Check 		SRC 30.050(a)(2)
Tourist parks Application Form
 SRC 30.600

Standards for Other Activities

Though a business license is not required, Salem Revised Code sets standards for a variety of activities. Some of the most common include:

No License Required

The following types of businesses do not require a license:

  • Limousine driver
  • Ambulance driver
  • Funeral escort drivers
  • Janitorial services
  • Cleaning services
  • Online businesses

Additional Information

State of Oregon business registration: All businesses in Oregon must register a business name.

Oregon Liquor license applications, are processed by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC).

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