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Specialty Licenses
- Can I hire nonresident employees?
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A business can employ up to one nonresident employee. Otherwise, all uses or activities associated with home occupations shall be wholly carried on within a dwelling or accessory structure by a member or members of a family except as allowed in subsection (B)(2)(a) of this section. For more information see BGMC 17.135.090.
- Can I add a separate side entrance to my home?
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The addition of a separate side entrance is authorized. However, there shall be no evidence of the home occupation from the exterior of the structure. There shall be no exterior modification of the structure that would suggest use other than for residential purposes, such as the conversion of garages to useable space by filling in the garage door opening. For more information see BGMC 17.135.090.
- Does Battle Ground have a limit on the number of visitors to my business?
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Yes. The combined total number of customers and business visitors associated with the home occupation shall be limited to no more than an average of six per day per week (Monday through Sunday). For more information see BGMC 17.135.090.
- How large can my home occupation space be?
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Not more than 25% of the combined floor space of such dwelling and accessory structure or 500 square feet, whichever is less, may be used for the home occupation. For more information see BGMC 17.135.090.
- Licensing
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Home occupation licenses are required for businesses that are operating from a residence. This includes businesses that conduct office activity at home and provide services off site at the client’s property, i.e. contractors. File a Business License Application online through the Washington State Department of Revenue.
If there are any questions give the Vancouver DOR office a call, they are very helpful.
Vancouver Department of Revenue
8008 NE Fourth Plain Blvd #320, Vancouver, WA 98662
(360) 256-2060If you are selling any kind of food items, please contact the Washington Department of Health for requirements and licensing.
Phone number: 360-236-4700
Email address: hsqa.csc@doh.wa.govIf you are a renter, you will also need to seek the approval of the homeowner or management company to conduct your business.
A Peddler/Transient Merchant License is required of any company that conducts door to door business activity, including sales and advertisement of products or services.
Each individual who will conduct door to door activity will be required to complete a sworn application form. The city will provide the employee with an identification card which they will be required to carry during the activity. The identification card will be valid for the term of the Peddler/Transient Merchant License, which is either six months or one year.
Mobile Food Unit
You are required to obtain a mobile food unit permit if you intend to sell food from a motorized vehicle, trailer, push cart, or other conveyance upon the public streets, alley, public property or private property within the City.
Please contact the Washington Department of Health for requirements and licensing to sell food.
Phone number: 360-236-4700
Email address: hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov
We now have an online application system called CSS (Customer Self-Service).
- Register for an account (top right hand side of page, click on "Guest")
- You will be sent a registration email - if you do not receive the email please check your spam/junk folder.
If you still do not receive the email within a day, please email us and let us know at: ComDev.Info@CityofBG.org - Please upload a copy of your documents when applying for your Specialty License.