Chapter 23: Licensing and Regulation

Oregon cities license business for both regulatory and revenue purposes.  The authority to regulate derives from the city’s police power.  Regulatory licenses are usually granted for short periods of time (usually one year).  This chapter of the handbook addresses regulatory licensing programs.

Many cities use business licensing as an additional means to enforce general local ordinances such as land use and building regulations.  Licenses may also be utilized to raise revenue, to regulate business, or both.  Additionally, cities may intend to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the general public.