Business Licensing
Click Here To Apply For A Sandpoint Business License (if you do not currently possess a license).
Click Here To Renew Your Sandpoint Business License (if you already possess a license).
Click Here To Make A Change To Your License (for example, if you've moved to a new location).
In order to engage in business within the City of Sandpoint, a completed business license application and payment of the application fee must be submitted to the City at least ten (10) days prior to the date 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. An invoice and renewal reminder is emailed prior to the license expiration date.
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.
General Business LicenseFor questions regarding business licensing, please contact the Business Licensing office at 208-263-3310. It is also highly recommended that you contact Planning & Building Services to check zoning regulations in the area of town where you will be doing business. You can reach them at 208-263-3370 |
Temporary Business LicenseA temporary business license is required when making sales during special events and is valid for up to four (4) days. Those who possess a general Sandpoint business license are exempt from obtaining a temporary business license. Vendors participating in Farmers' Market, Pend Oreille Arts Council Arts and Crafts Fair, The Festival at Sandpoint, and the County Fair are also not required to obtain a license. |
Sign Permits
Please see "sign permits" on the Planning and Building Permits & Licenses Chart.
14% Short-term Occupancy Tax
This voter approved, local tax applies to occupancy and temporary lodging of thirty (30) or fewer days. Examples of the types of lodging services to which this tax would apply include hotels, motels, condominiums, short-term vacation rentals, and bed & breakfast establishments. The tax collected is remitted to the City on or before the 20th of the month following collection. Click here for more information.
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 of Idaho and Bonner County alcohol licenses, which must be presented to the City when applying for the City license. The same application form is used whether applying for the first time or renewing your license.
Alcohol Beverage Catering Permit
A City of Sandpoint alcohol beverage catering permit authorizes Idaho alcohol licensees to serve and sell liquor by the drink, beer and/or wine (the types of alcohol allowed under the license) at a party, reception, convention, or other special event for up to five (5) consecutive days within Sandpoint city limits. If you possess an Idaho alcohol license and need to apply for an alcohol catering permit, please click the link below to apply.
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.
Peddlers / Solicitors / Transient Merchants
If you are in city limits soliciting door-to-door in residential neighborhoods, you are required to register as a Peddler/Solicitor.
Please note that each peddler/solicitor must register individually. In addition, the company employing the peddlers must be licensed as a business with the City of Sandpoint. Click here for the business license application form.
If you are a transient merchant, where you rent space (hotel conference rooms, temporary retail space, etc.) for temporary sales events, this registration may also apply. Before completing the application, please contact the City Clerk at (208) 263-3310.
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)
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Taxicab Driver Application (for taxicab motor vehicle drivers)
Special Event Permit
Per City Code Title 6, Chapter 6, a special event permit is required for any meeting, dash, demonstration, festival, concert, march, marathon, parade, procession, public assembly, race, rally, sporting tournament not sponsored by the City, gathering, performance, or activity consisting of persons, animals, or vehicles or a combination thereof within a public park, outdoor recreation area or facility, a public parking lot or public right-of-way, such as a street, with the intent of attracting public attention which has a tendency to interfere with the normal flow or regulation of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or occupies any street or other public property managed by the City of Sandpoint or defined within the City's Special Event Policy and Procedures.
Before completing the permit application, please read the Special Event Policy and Procedures. If you wish to rent a picnic shelter or other small portion of park space for a private event (e.g., a family picnic), please contact Parks & Recreation at (208) 263-3613 before completing the application to determine whether a special event permit would apply.