Business Resources
Opening up a New Business?
We want to hear from you! Reach out to the City by calling 360-263-2782 or email clerk@ci.lacenter.wa.us and let us know. We can schedule a ribbon cutting for your new business.
The Mayor, City staff, and a councilmember will attend your ribbon cutting. The City will provide the ribbon, giant scissors, and a speaker with microphone for the business owner to give a speech after the Mayor introduces the new La Center business.
Business Licensing
General (resident) License
The city of La Center 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, contact the city directly before you apply.
If you will have more than one business located on a single property, you must complete a separate application for each business.
- Origination fee: $50
- Renewal fee: $50
Nonprofit
If you are a nonprofit business, you may be exempt from city fees. To qualify you must submit a copy of your business’ IRS 501(c) certificate with your application.
- Origination fee: $0
- Renewal fee: City license does not renew
Non-Resident Business License
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.
Origination fee:
Renewal fee:
Home Occupations
If you are running a business out of your home you are required to follow our La Center Municipal Home Occupation code requirements as well as obtain a home occupation license. Visit the DOR website to start the process for the license. Please submit the required documents for Home Occupation submittals to City Hall 210 E 4th Street.
Home Occupation Permit
If your business is in a residence within the city, you are required to obtain a permit as well as comply with La Center Municipal Code 18.270.010. For more information on home occupation requirements, contact the city directly at 360-263-7665.
- Origination fee: $50
- Renewal fee: $50
Vendor License
If you are going to vend on public property, peddle (sell) to any private residence in the city, or solicit (request contributions) door-to-door a Vendor License is required in addition to a Business License.
Labor & Industries
If you are doing construction work, specialty contractors and general contractors, within the City, we do verify that you have been registered with Labor & Industries.
Commercial Building Permits
For more information on Commercial Building Permits visit the Community Development page.
Commercial Zones
For more information on Commercial Zoning visit the Community Development page and our La Center Municipal Code website for information on Commercial Districts and the Downtown Overlay District.
For further questions please reach out to Tracy Coleman in Community Development via email tcoleman@ci.lacenter.wa.us.
Have other business-related questions for La Center? Give us a call at 360-263-2782.
City Council
210 East 4th Street La Center, WA 98629
360.263.5123 | Fax 360.263.5700
City Hall | Administrative Services
210 East 4th Street La Center, WA 98629
360.263.2782 | Fax 360.263.5700
Police Department
105 West 5th Street La Center, WA 98629
360.263.2745 | Fax 360.263.2757
Public Works Department
210 East 4th Street La Center, WA 98629
360.263.7665 | Fax 360.263.7666
After Hours | 360.524.3450
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