Business Licenses
A Glendale Business License is required for any person or business with a physical business location in Glendale city limits. A separate business license is needed for all separate locations in Glendale except commercial rentals. PO Box or PMB addresses are not physical locations and will not be accepted.
The initial license fee is $25 and is required to be renewed every year. The annual renewal fee is $25.
*Note* Businesses subject to Transaction Privilege (Sales) Tax will need to apply for a transaction privilege (TPT) license in addition to applying for a Glendale Business License. To apply for a TPT license, please contact the Arizona Department of Revenue at www.aztaxes.gov.
Business License Approval Process
The Glendale Business License will be processed by the departments listed below for license approval. To avoid delays in the approval of a business license, please contact the appropriate city department to see if any additional documents/permits are required.
Before Applying for a Glendale Business License, Please Review
Are you making any improvements to your business property?
Certain improvements can require a building permit. If you are unsure if your improvements require a building permit please contact Building Safety at (623) 930-2800.
Has a Certificate of Occupancy been issued for your business location?
Please obtain a Certificate of Occupancy for your business prior to applying for a business license.
Certificate of Occupancy requirements:
- If any construction work (Fire, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing or Structural) is being done or been done, submit a Permit Application and Tenant Improvement plan(s). If the space area is greater than 3000 sf the plans, (construction documents) must be sealed by a registrant (Architect or Engineer) licensed by the State of Arizona.
- If no construction work is anticipated or was not done, submit a Permit Application for the "No work COO" with future business name. Our Building and Fire Inspectors will perform field inspection to verify that no work was needed or completed that would require building or fire permits.
Permit Application can be found at: Submit Electronic Plans
Once you are ready to submit an application and construction documents (if needed) please send an email to: permits@glendaleaz.com and attach all documents. A Development Services Representative will contact you with more information and inspection scheduling procedure. Please contact Development Services if you have questions, 623-930-2800.
When you have passed all of your inspections, request the Certificate of Occupancy via email to: COORequest@glendaleaz.com
Please provide us with the following information:
- Project Name:
- Project Address:
- Building Permit #:
Is your business activity zoned for your business location?
Before you sign a lease agreement, verify your business activity is zoned for that location.
Zoning defines and provides parameters for land uses in a community. Land uses can include commercial, residential, industrial, etc. These zoning districts benefit the community by establishing design/development standards for land uses.
If you are unsure if your business location is zoned for your business, please contact Planning & Zoning at (623) 930-2800.
Is your business based out of your personal residence?
A Home Occupation (Home-Based Business), as defined by the Glendale Zoning Ordinance, is any occupation or profession conducted from a principal residence in a residential zoning district, as an accessory use. All Home Occupations are required to obtain and maintain a Business License with the City of Glendale. Home Occupations are further described in Section 7.304 of the Zoning Ordinance(PDF, 43KB).
A Conditional Use Permit may be required for your home-based business. For more information please review the Home-Based Business Questionnaire(PDF, 688KB). If you would like more information please contact Planning & Zoning at (623) 930-2800.
Did your business location pass a fire/life safety inspection within the last 365 days?
As part of the license approval process, the fire department verifies the business location has a current (within 365 days) passing fire/life safety inspection conducted by the City of Glendale Fire Department. If you are unsure if your business has a current fire/life safety inspection, please contact the Fire Department at (623) 930-4400 or visit their Fire Prevention webpage.
Along with Building Safety Department, the Fire Department will also verify if the business location has a Certificate of Occupancy and building permits have been closed.
Is your business located outside of Glendale but you will be coming into Glendale to do business?
Construction contractors do not need a business license if you are located outside of Glendale.
If you are a mobile food vendor, door-to door peddler/solicitor, auctioneer or fortuneteller, please see the application packets at Regulatory Applications and Forms.
If you are unsure if a license is needed, email taxlic@glendaleaz.com or call 623-930-3190.