Licensing & Permitting

Business Licensing

CLICK HERE TO RENEW, CHANGE, OR APPLY FOR A NEW SANDPOINT BUSINESS LICENSE.

In order to engage in business within the City of Sandpoint, a complete business license application and $50 processing fee must be submitted to the City at least ten (10) days prior to the date the business will commence. This license shall be in addition to any other license or permit required and shall be valid for one year from the date it is issued, so long as the ownership, nature of the business, and location of the business remain unchanged. Renewal reminders are emailed prior to the renewal deadline. The renewal fee is $25.

Visit Sandpoint City Code in order to review Title 3, Chapter 11.  If you will be operating your business out of a home located within city limits, you will also need to review Title 9, Chapter 11.

1% City Sales Tax

If you are a retailer selling within Sandpoint city limits, in addition to the Idaho state sales tax, you also need to collect and remit the voter approved 1% City sales tax.  Click here for the tax permit application.

Additional Information:

• Info sheet for the Local Option 1% Sales Tax
• A Guide to the Local Option 1% Sales Tax
• Recording of the public forum of the Local Option 1% Sales Tax (March 24, 2016)

7% Short-term Occupancy Tax

This voter approved, local tax applies to occupancy and temporary lodging of thirty (30) days or less.  Types of businesses subject to the tax include, but are not limited to hotels, motels, condominiums, tourist homes, and bed & breakfast establishments. The tax collected is paid to the City of Sandpoint on or before the 20th of the month following collection. For more information, see here.

Alcohol Beverage License

A Sandpoint Retail Alcohol Beverage License is required to sell wine, beer and/or liquor within city limits.  To obtain a Sandpoint Alcohol Beverage License, you must first obtain your State and County licenses, which must be presented to the City when applying for the City license.

• Retail Alcohol Beverage License Application
  (This is a fillable form.  You may type directly in the form, then print, or you may print the blank form and fill it out in pen.  Bring your completed application to the City Clerk's Office.)

The same form is used whether applying for the first time or renewing your license.

Alcohol Beverage Catering Permit

An alcohol beverage catering permit authorizes alcohol licensees to serve and sell liquor by the drink, beer and/or wine at a party, reception, convention, or other special event for up to three consecutive days.  If you possess an alcohol license and need to apply for an alcohol catering permit, please call the City Clerk's office 263-3317 or click here to e-mail.

Special Event Permit

A permit is required for a parade or for public assembly defined by City Code Title 6, Chapter 6.   

• Special Event Policy and Procedures
• Special Event Permit Application 

Pawnbroker's License

You must obtain a Pawnbroker's License to own, operate or maintain a pawnbroker's business within the boundaries of the City. 

• Pawn License Application

Peddlers / Solicitors / Transient Merchants

If you are in city limits soliciting door-to-door in residential neighborhoods or renting space for a temporary sales event, you must register as a Peddler, Solicitor, or Transient Merchant. 

• Peddler Registration Application

Please note that each peddler/solicitor must register individually.  In addition, the company employing the solicitor must be licensed as a business with the City of Sandpoint.  Click here for the business license application form.

In addition to the Idaho state sales tax, retailers must also collect and remit the 1% local sales tax on all sales made within Sandpoint city limits.  Click here for the tax permit application form.  Click here for more information regarding Sandpoint's local sales tax.

Taxi Cabs & Drivers

If you are operating a vehicle (motor or human-powered) for the purpose of transporting persons for hire, both you and your vehicle must be licensed with the City.

• Taxicab Application (to be completed by the taxicab motor vehicle owner)
• Taxicab Driver Application (for taxicab motor vehicle drivers)
• Pedicab License Application (to be completed by the pedicab owner)
• Pedicab Driver Application (for those who operate pedicabs)

Sign Permits

When it comes time to open your business don't forget to check with the Planning Department about sign regulations.

• Standard sign permit (for wall and freestanding signs)
• Portable sign permit (for A-frames and banners)