STARTING A BUSINESS IN LIVINGSTON, MONTANA

Well you've decided to live in Livingston and go into business for yourself - a life long dream and a grand place to develop that dream.

The following sequence of events will insure that your business gets off to a great start without hassles.

Starting a business in Livingston -

What's required:

1. A City License - most licenses are $80.00 unless the business is specialized.
2. Fire Inspection - Done by appointment only.
3. Sanitation Inspection - For food and drink vendors only.
4. Contractors - Proof of State Registration, Worker's Compensation coverage and proof of liability insurance.
5. Zoning must be appropriate for district where business will be - this can be approved by the City Building/Planning/Code Enforcement Director at 222-0083.
6. Home Occupation businesses must be approved by the City Building/Planning/Code Enforcement Director.
7. Transfers of business licenses.  A business that changes owners or moves locations within the City during the year may transfer the license for a fee of $30.00.
8. Business licenses are due on January 1st and are good until December 31st of the same year.  Business licenses are not pro-rated.
9. Grace period for buying business licenses is until January 31st of the current year (except for alcohol; they must be purchased by January 1st).  Licenses not purchased by the end of the grace period will have a 15% per month interest charge not to exceed the total amount of the license.
10. Doing business in the City of Livingston without a license could cost the business up to $500 in fines.

Who needs a business license:

        All businesses that operate in the City limits except the following:

•   Most businesses that are licensed by the State i.e.

1. Attorneys.
2. Hospitals / Clinics.
3. Hairdressers / Barbers if they do not have products for sale.
4. Banks.
5. Stockbrokers.
6. Physicians / Dentists.
7. Children under the age of 18 years of age.

If you are not sure if you need a business license, please contact the City Office at 222-2005 or the Building / Planning Director at 222-0083..

WELCOME TO LIVINGSTON AND BEST OF LUCK WITH YOUR ENDEAVORS AS A BUSINESS OWNER!

City Business Application

click here

Please print the application, fill it out and return to:
City of Livingston
414 East Callender Street
Livingston, MT  59047

If you have any questions relating to opening and/or operating a business please call Jim Woodhull, Building/Planning Director at 222-0083.