Business Licensing

Anyone who owns or operates a business within South Salt Lake City limits must obtain a business license prior to conducting business. Our division ensures that all businesses operating within the City are properly licensed, adhering to city standards, and meeting county/state requirements.

What We Do

At the Business Licensing Division, we accept and process applications for business licenses from business owners. Whether you are an established business hoping to open a new location in SSL, or you are launching a new venture, we will review your application and ensure you comply with City codes.

Business licenses are only valid for the address on the application. A change in location requires re-application for licensure. Multiple locations require a separate license and application for each location.

If you have questions relating to the submission of your application, please email businesslicense@sslc.gov

If you're trying to renew your business license and do not see your business license and do not see your bill, do not submit a new application. Please contact us to help you.

If your invoice was blank or had a zero balance, we are working on updating it. If you have questions on how to login into the portal or how to make a payment please consult the Cityworks User Guide before contacting the City. Thank you for your patience as we transition to this new system.

License Renewal

All licenses must be renewed on an annual basis.

Businesses located east of 200 West (the TRAX) renew on January 1.
Businesses located west of 200 West renew on August 1.

How to Pay for a Business License Renewal

Pay Online - Please pay using the portal above. You will need to create an account if you haven't already.
Check or Cash - Please mail your payment to our office or contact our business licensing staff for payment via phone at 801-483-6063.

All payments must include a renewal notice or account number. If you have any questions about renewal payments please contact the department.

If you are a landlord, consider enrolling in our Good Landlord Program.

How to Apply for a Business License

All applications must be submitted via our online portal. See side tab New Portal (Cityworks) FAQs for more information.
Pay application fee - fees can be found here
Submit property owner affidavit or copy of lease agreement
Complete pre-inspection checklist
Provide the following:
- A copy of your Utah State Department of Commerce Name Registration
- A copy of your State of Utah Sales Tax ID Number
- Your Federal Employee Identification Number (EIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number
- A copy of your Occupational or Professional License, if applicable
- A copy of your Salt Lake County Health Department approval, if applicable
- A copy of your Department of Agriculture approval, if applicable
- A copy of your Utah Department of Motor Vehicle approval, if applicable
- A copy of your Mt. Olympus Improvement District (sewer district) approval, if applicable

Incomplete Applications

Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application and meeting all necessary city, county and/or state code approval requirements.

If you receive notice that your application is incomplete, you will have thirty (30) days to correct any problems and/or provide any missing information or payments. After a 30 Day Notice of Denial period for failure to provide a complete application, the application voids.

Short-Term Rental Ordinance

As of March 12, 2025, South Salt Lake passed a Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance. To find out more about the ordinance and to see if you are eligible for an STR please review the SSL Short-Term Rental Handbook. The full STR Ordinance can be found here. If you have any questions about how to apply for the STR business license please reach out to our Business License Official or Business License Specialist.

Business Licenses Issued By Year

FAQs

Are business licenses transferable?

No. All new businesses (or businesses with a change in ownership) must submit a new business license application and schedule any required inspections.

May I start business before my license is issued?

No. All prospective businesses must receive a license prior to engaging in business operations. Businesses failing to comply with licensing requirements may be subject to daily citations or criminal penalties.

How do I know if my business is allowed in a building?

Please review Title 17 of the South Salt Lake Municipal Code for what land uses are allowed in each zoning district. If your proposed use is allowed in the zoning district and is a change of use from prior uses, the building and site will be required to be brought into current compliance with all Municipal Code, Building Code and Fire Code requirements. If you have specific questions, please contact our planning department staff.

Do I need a business license for a Home Occupation?

Yes. All home occupations require a business license.

I scheduled a building/fire inspection and received a correction list on my inspection report. Now what do I do?

All items listed on your inspection report must be addressed prior to license approval. If the compliance item requires a building permit, you will need to submit the appropriate applications with a General Contractor licensed in the State of Utah. Once all improvements have been completed, applicants shall contact the inspector listed on the inspection report to schedule a follow-up inspection.

Do I need a business license if I am only storing goods in a warehouse?