Occupation / Business Licenses

Occupation (Business) Licenses

Any business operating or providing a service in Liberty is required to have a Business (Occupation) License. The license is required before a business can begin operating. This requirement applies to business entities regardless of their size or composition:

• Any Other Type of Business Structure
• Association
• Company
• Corporation
• Individual
• Partnership

To verify if you need a business license, contact the Finance Department at 816.439.4417 or visit our City codes Sec.18.2.1.

You can apply for both business licenses and contractors business licenses online.  If you are not able to apply online or prefer to apply in person, applications may be downloaded (business license (PDF) and contractor business license (PDF)) or obtained through the licensing office. A Checklist (PDF) may also be downloaded to assist the applicant with all documentation that should accompany the application.

If you would like to submit your application in person, business license applications are accepted Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Finance counter on the main floor of Liberty City Hall. 

 All licenses shall be in effect for one year from the month of issuance, and renewed annually thereafter. [See Chapters 6, 7 and 18 of the Liberty City Code for more information] 

• Must be renewed annually in order to continue conducting business in Liberty.
• May not be transferred to another owner.
• Local businesses moving to a new location within the city must contact the Business Licenses Division at 816.439.4417 before their move.
• Two or more businesses being operated by the same owner out of the same location may be combined into one application. (Combined gross receipts for all companies must be identified in determining the license fee and each company must be identified as to name and type of business).
• The fee for a new Business License is $50.The renewal fee for a Business License is based on gross receipts in the City of Liberty for past 12 months.
• Craftsman License fee could vary depending on whether it is new or a renewal as well as how many licenses you need.
• Required for contractors: 1) certificate of insurance for general liability and worker’s compensation OR 2) sign the affidavit statement located on the application, stating the company is exempt from state’s requirement for worker's compensation. However, general liability is required whether you have worker's compensation or not.
• Electrical, plumbing or mechanical contracting businesses must provide proof of passing a proficiency test dated 2003 or newer with a passing score of 75% or better OR hold a certificate of qualification to work at the master level from the City of Kansas City, Missouri or Johnson County for the trade for which the application is being made. Submit a copy of the certification with the application.
• Businesses required to collect and submit sales tax to the State of Missouri must provide a copy of the company’s Missouri Retail Sales License showing the location in Liberty, Missouri including address of the business. Retail sales licenses are issued by the State of Missouri and are accompanied by a Certificate of No Tax Due.
• Liberty-based businesses provide alternate contact numbers that are given to the City’s public safety staff for use in case of emergencies. Download the Emergency Contact form »
• For individuals contemplating opening a business in Liberty, the first step is to contact the Planning and Development Services Division (third floor of City Hall or call 816.439.4543). A planner will review with the business applicant any zoning ordinances that may apply to the business including location, signage and parking. View the Home-Based Business Checklist »
• Safety inspection by City’s fire marshal required for new Liberty businesses. An occupation license is not considered complete until the fire marshal’s inspection is complete.
• New Liberty businesses dealing with food service are required to provide copy of Clay County Health Department permit.

Short-Term Rentals

A Short-Term Rental (STR) is defined as a residential dwelling unit, or any portion of a dwelling, rented to guests for fewer than thirty (30) consecutive days.

All Short-Term Rentals operating within the City of Liberty are required to obtain a valid Business License and remit all applicable taxes, including the 5% Transient Guest Tax, in order to legally operate.

Mobile Food Truck / Unit Business License

To operate a mobile food truck / unit in the City of Liberty, a license is needed before operation can begin. Mobile food trucks / units are:

• A self-contained, vehicle / trailer-mounted food service unit that returns daily to its base of operation as approved by the Clay County Health Department or the applicable health department of the resident county of the mobile food vendor.
• Used for the preparation and / or sale of food products.
• Vendors selling food, other than fresh fruit or vegetables, from a mobile vendor unit. Edibles are ready to eat, and hot and cold beverages do not contain alcohol.

You can apply for a Mobile Food Truck / Unit License online.  If you are not able to apply online or prefer to apply in person, an application may be downloaded or obtained through the licensing office. A checklist and regulations flyer may also be downloaded to assist the applicant with all of the documentation that should be submitted with the application.

Fees

Occupation license fees are based on gross receipts.

Craftsmen License Fees

Electrical, Plumbing or Mechanical