King County issues a business license for a business engaged in a regulated activity within unincorporated King County, meaning the areas outside the city limits of any city or town. Examples of such regulated activities are amusement parks and places, amusement devices, bowling alleys, carnivals, go-cart tracks, skating rinks, juke boxes, video games, pool tables, outdoor and indoor entertainment, dances, karaoke, adult entertainment establishments, entertainers and managers of adult entertainment businesses, massage and bathhouse businesses, process servers, secondhand or remanufactured goods, pawnshops, solicitation of funds for charitable purposes, taxicabs and drivers, and theaters.

King County does not require a general business license. No King County license is required unless your business is engaged in a regulated activity within unincorporated King County. However, businesses must comply with local zoning regulations and fire codes. For zoning information, call (206) 296-6655. For fire code regulations, call (206) 296-7075.

For questions or comments regarding these pages, please send e-mail to Diana Toledo or Greg Kangas, or reach them by phone at (206) 205-6170.

Updated: February 19, 2002