Business License

Did you know you can apply for or renew your Business License online - including payment? Click here to access our online application!

The City of Sherwood Municipal Code Chapter 5.04 requires any business or individual located in or working within the city limits of Sherwood to obtain a City of Sherwood business license, unless exempt under the provisions of the municipal code. This also applies to home based businesses and door to door solicitation permits.

This city business license is in addition to your State or County License (i.e. CCB, C.P.A., Medical, Law, Real Estate).  In conducting business, it is the responsibility of the licensee to comply with all other applicable legal requirements, including but not limited to Building, Zoning, and Fire safety codes.

Each branch establishment of any business is considered a separate business and subject to a license. 

All business licenses must be renewed annually. Business licenses expire on December 31st each year. New businesses operating in Sherwood after June 30th of the current year will pay a pro-rated fee through December 31st.  Thereafter, the annual business license fee shall be due in full by January 1st of each year.

The City of Sherwood does accept the Metro license for Building and Landscape contractors who are not headquartered inside the City Limits of Sherwood.  For more information about a Metro license please call (503) 797-1620 or visit their website at www.oregonmetro.gov.
 

A business is any activity carried on by a person predominately for economic profit or livelihood in the city.  Commercial/individual businesses are required to fill out a business license application.The City of Sherwood has four primary classifications of businesses:

• Resident Commercial business - consists of any non-residential storefront location that resides within the City of Sherwood's jurisdiction.
• Home Occupation business - includes any business owner residing in the City of Sherwood, who is not opening a commercial location.  Includes Mobile Vendors residing in the City of Sherwood.
• Non-Resident business - any person (s), company, or organization primarily based outside of Sherwood's city limits, that travel into the City of Sherwood to conduct business or provide service.  Includes Mobile Vendors residing outside the City of Sherwood.
• Non-Profit/Exempt Organization - any not for profit organization operating in the City of Sherwood that can claim tax exempt status and/or provide a 501(c)3 form.
   

Please Note:
Depending on the nature of the business being conducted, a variety of other permits or licenses may be required, and it is the responsibility of the licensee to obtain them.  
 

Applications can be submitted online or by contacting the business license specialist at City Hall during regular business hours.

1.  To complete your business license application online, click here.
    
2. If you prefer not to submit an online application, please contact Emily Nelson, business license specialist, at the City of Sherwood to provide the necessary information for your business license and submit payment. Emily can be reached by calling 503.625.4237 or emailing businesslicensing@sherwoodoregon.gov.
   You can also stop by the Community Development Department at City Hall.

Upon review and payment in full, the business license will be emailed to the business email address provided.  
 

Please note:  
Home based businesses may also need to fill out a Home Occupation application.  Please contact the Planning Department at (503) 925-2308 to see if this additional permit is required or visit the Home Occupation information page by clicking here.
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• Can I submit a new business license application or renew my business license online?

​Yes! We are excited to announce the online form which allows you to submit your applications online for either a new application or a business license renewal. Click here for access.

• How much does it cost? 
  • ​Businesses with headquarters inside the City Limits of Sherwood.
    ​The current cost of a business license for a business that resides in Sherwood is $75.00 per year plus $6 per each employee (not including the Business Owner). 
     
    • Businesses that do not have a headquarters in Sherwood City Limits.
      The annual fee is $107.50 plus $6 per employee that works over 20 hours a week. New business licenses applied for July 1 or later will be pro rated for that year. Existing license renewals are charged the full year fee
• You may be eligible for up to 15% off the annual base fee if you qualify for any of the following criteria’s:
  • Fewer than five full-time employees (5% discount)
  • Businesses Headquartered in the City of Sherwood (5% discount). (A home occupation will always be headquartered in the City Limits and receive a 5% discount)
  • Businesses that are manufacturing or technology (5% discount)
     
• I have more than one location.  Do I only need one business license?
  A separate business license is required for each location a business is operated.
   
• When are renewals due?  
  All renewals are due by December 31st of the current calendar year. 
   
• My license expired.  What do I do now? 
  If your business license expires, you will be required to pay late fees when you renew your business license.
   
• I sold my business.  What do I do now? 
  The new owner shall obtain a new business license for the business. Business licenses cannot be transferred.
   
• What if I am no longer in business?
  Contact the city directly by calling (503) 925-2308.
   
• What if something has changed on my existing license?
  Contact the city directly by calling (503) 925-2308 or stop by Sherwood City Hall.
   
• I have a Metro license.  Do I still need a City business license? 
  If you have a Metro license and your business is headquartered within the Sherwood City limits a Sherwood business license is still required.  If you have a Metro license and your business is not based within the Sherwood City Limits the Sherwood Business License Fee is waived.

  For more information about the Metro license please call them directly (503) 797-1710.
   

• My business is a nonprofit.  Do I still need a business license? Nonprofits do need a business license unless you are licensed under Oregon's Charitable Trust and Corporation Act (ORS 128.610 et seq.) and conducting a business in the city as a means to raise funds for said organization's charitable purposes.
   

Business License information may be subject to Oregon Public Records Law.

This section directs you to portions of the Sherwood Municipal Code that relate to obtaining a business license and can help you answer common questions before you contact the city.

Municipal Code, Title 5: Business Licenses and Regulations