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1. What is a UBI number?

The State of Washington Business License Service defines a UBI number as “a 9-digit number that registers you with several state agencies and allows you to do business in Washington State. A UBI number is sometimes called a tax registration number, a business registration number, or a business license number.”
• Visit State of Washington Business Licensing Service to print an application form or apply online for a UBI number.
• If your business qualifies, the State also offers a temporary UBI number. More information can be found at State of Washington Department of Revenue.

2. Is my business Resident or Non-Resident?

• A Resident business maintains a store front or office in the City limits. Farmers Market Vendors, in-City salon chair rentals, and in-City mall spaces are Resident businesses.
• A Non-Resident business is physically located outside the City limits, but has sales or services performed inside the City by the physical presence of business representatives.

3. I am no longer doing business in Snohomish. How do I cancel my license?

Please contact the State of WA Business Licensing Division to close your City of Snohomish  business license account. 

4. I decided not to do business in Snohomish/I was only in your town for a short period of time. Will you refund my application/renewal fees?

No; City of Snohomish business license fees are non-refundable.

5. Are short-term, vacation or transient rentals allowed in Snohomish?

Yes, per Snohomish Municipal Code 14.207.070, short-term, vacation or transient rentals are allowed in the City of Snohomish.

Short-term rentals are a type of lodging sometimes called vacation rentals. A house, condo, or apartment (or a part of one) that is rented for a fee for fewer than 30 consecutive nights is a short-term rental. Examples of short-term rentals are those rented through platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO. 

Short-term rentals are allowed in any zone where dwelling units are allowed (e.g. Single-family, all three multi-family zones, Commercial, Historic Business District, Business Park, and Midtown District). This reflects the current situation where digital platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo show rentals of rooms within a house, entire houses, and multi-family units. Short-term rentals are not allowed in commercial spaces (although they may be allowed in housing units within commercial zones).

To ensure compliance with the City and State regulations, all short-term rentals within the City must:

1. Have a business license to operate
2. Pay transient rental, hotel/motel, lodging, and other taxes as required for transient accommodations in the city pursuant to WAC 458-20-166.
3. Not use commercial spaces for short-term rentals.
4. Not provide any services beyond housekeeping between visits.
5. Not be rented to the same party for more than 30 consecutive days.
6. Only be rented to a single party. A party is a group of persons gathering for the same social purpose.
7. Be for the entire structure or for a self-contained living space within a structure. Only one self-contained living space within a detached single-family residence shall be rented at a time.