CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
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AN ORDINANCE relating to business license tax certificates and business licenses; amending Sections 5.30.030, 5.55.030, and 6.208.050 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
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WHEREAS, during the 2017 regular session, the Washington State Legislature enacted EHB 2005, now codified as chapter 35.90 RCW, to improve the business climate in the state by simplifying the administration of business licenses; and
WHEREAS, as required by RCW 35.90.080, a committee of cities has worked with the Association of Washington Cities to draft a model ordinance that: (1) establishes a uniform minimum threshold under which a person is relieved of the requirement to obtain a city's general business license; and (2) that establishes a uniform definition of "engaging in business within the city;" and
WHEREAS, under RCW 35.90.090, cities that impose a general business license must adopt the mandatory provisions of the model ordinance by January 1, 2019; and
WHEREAS, under Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) Section 5.55.030, the City currently requires that all persons engaged in business in the City, unless specifically exempted, obtain a business license tax certificate; and under SMC Section 6.208.010, the City also requires that all persons engaged in business in the City, unless specifically exempted, obtain a business license; and
WHEREAS, the City intends to adopt the model ordinance as required by RCW 35.90.090 to establish a minimum licensing threshold of two thousand dollars and to conform to the uniform definition of "engaging in business within the city;"; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Subsection 5.30.030.B of the Seattle Municipal Code, which section was last amended by Ordinance 124963, is amended as follows:
5.30.030 Definitions, E-F
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B. "Engaging in business"
1. The term "engaging in business ((activity))" means commencin...
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