Business Licensing

Business Licensing Official Katherine Murdoch 801-785-9668, ext. 504

The City of Cedar Hills welcomes and encourages businesses within its community. Much of our local business is made up of small, locally owned home occupation businesses. The City’s current business license ordinance indicates the requirements and any
restrictions in operating a home occupation business,
as well as other types of businesses.

• Home Business License Application
• Solicitation/Peddler License Application
• Commercial Business License Application
• Beer License Application
• Business Licensing Ordinance
• Safety Inspection Checklist

Prior to applying for a Cedar Hills business license, an individual should contact the State of Utah to ensure that all State-mandated requirements have been met. Go to the State of Utah Website, where you will find all of the information that you need. You may also contact the State by phone at 1-877-526-3994.

Business owners may request to have their business information printed in the City’s newsletter or on this Web site. Business license information is generally considered public record except for private information such as birth dates or social security numbers.

Completed business license applications should be returned to the City office for processing. Depending on the type of business, an inspection by the City’s building official may be necessary. Home occupation business licenses are valid until the anniversary date, at which time a renewal application will be automatically mailed to the business owner.

Business Licensing Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a Cedar Hills business license?

A: If your business lists your home in Cedar Hills as its physical location, you must obtain a Cedar Hills business license. Even if business is not specifically conducted within Cedar Hills, but your home address is used for registration with the State, you are required to have a municipal license with the City of Cedar Hills.

Q: Why do I need a Cedar Hills Business License?

A: The purpose of a Cedar Hills City Business License is:

To regulate and license businesses within the corporate limits of Cedar Hills City.
To determine if businesses are operating within applicable laws and ordinances.
To maintain a safe environment for the general public through inspections.
To enforce zoning, building, and fire codes.
To maintain a list of currently licensed businesses for public access.
To provide revenues used for City services such as fire and police protection.
To ensure that Cedar Hills City collects its portion of sales tax revenues from the Utah State Tax Commission.

Q: When would I need a home business safety inspection?

A:  If you have anyone from the public (ex. Students, clients, customers, employees) come to your home-based business you will need to have a safety inspection.

Q: When do I need to submit a background check?

A:  If your business works primarily with children or the elderly, or if you are a solicitor, you will need to submit a Background Check from the Utah State Dept. of Safety.  Their phone number is (801) 965-4445.  For more info, you can also visit:  http://publicsafety.utah.gov/bci/yourcrimrecord.html.

Glossary of Terms

Business Registration Number (aka Business Entity Number): By law, you are required to register your business name with the Department of Commerce. You must provide a copy of your Business Registration number when you return your business license application to our office. Please call (801) 530-4849 if you have any questions.

Sales Tax Number: Generally, only businesses involved with the sale of a tangible product must apply for a State Sales Tax number. For questions, you may contact the Commission at 1-800-662-4335. If you are required to have a Sales Tax Number, you must provide it when you return your business license application to our office.

Federal Employer Identification Number (aka Federal Tax I.D. Number, EIN or FEIN): Most businesses will need to obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number with the Internal Revenue Service if a Corporation, Limited Liability Company, Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership, OR Sole Proprietor with employees is being created. Please call 1-800-829-4933 or go to www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html for additional information.

Employer Withholding Number: Employers can get a withholding tax account (license) by completing and submitting the form TC-69 Utah State Business and Tax Registration to the Tax Commission. There is no fee for a withholding tax account. However, if you have a history of filing or paying taxes late, you may have to post a surety bond.

State License: It is required of some occupations to have a special license issued by the state. Please go to www.dopl.utah.gov for more information or call the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional licensing at 1(866) 275-3675.

Federal License: You will only need a federal license or permit if your business is involved in activities that are supervised and regulated by a federal agency. The types of business activities licensed by the federal government can be found at www.business.gov/register/licenses-and-permits/federal-licenses.html.

Additional Business Information

Commercial Businesses
Home-Based Businesses