Riverside Business
Business Licenses
Guide to Opening a Business in Riverside
Riverside welcomes new businesses and we are here to help you through the process of licensing your new business with the City.
A business license is necessary for any business or person operating, maintaining, or engaging within any occupation, business, or trade within the City of Riverside.
The new business licensing process begins at the office of the Director of Planning and Economic Development. After this office determines that the business requesting a license is in full compliance with City Ordinances and applicable State laws and regulations, the licensing process is completed by the City Clerk. The Director of Planning and Economic Development can be reached at PlanningandDevelopment@RiversideMo.com or (816) 741-3993.
New Business Requirements
To open a new business in Riverside, you are required to have an occupational license and, if your business includes retail sales, a State of Missouri Sales Tax Number. In addition, you will need to have utilities connected for your place of business. Please also see the most frequently asked questions (link) concerning the licensing process.
What steps do I normally follow to license my new business in Riverside?
Step 1 - Hold a pre-application conference with the Director of Planning and Economic Development
Step 2 - Submit your completed application
Step 3 - A plan review is conducted
The balance of the process steps are dependent on your business type and plans. After steps one and two are completed, you'll be advised what, if any, additional processes are required.
Licensed Contractors
If you are an existing contractor or craftsman licensed outside of Riverside, who needs to obtain a permit to work within the Riverside City limits, please contact the City Clerk at CityClerk@RiversideMo.com or (816) 741-3993.
Businesses Relocating to Riverside
For existing businesses considering relocation within the City of Riverside, City Hall highly recommends that you contact the City Clerk to ensure that your business is in compliance with all City Ordinances. You can reach the City Clerk at CityClerk@RiversideMo.com or (816) 741-3993.
Your Business Location
The first step in opening a business is to obtain a location. Please check with Development & Codes to assure the property is appropriately zoned for your intended business use. Zoning laws restrict the use of property and may limit the use of the location you have selected. Click here to view a Zoning Map.
Missouri Sales Tax Number
If your business will be involved in direct sales of merchandise to the public, you are required by both State and City laws to have a Missouri Sales Tax Number. You may obtain an application for your Missouri Sales Tax Number at the State Office Building, 615 East 13th Street, Room 127, Kansas City, Missouri, or by calling (816) 889-2944.
City Business License
Each business operating or providing a service in Riverside, Missouri, is required to have a City Business License. The business license is required before you can open your business. To avoid delays in the opening of your business you should apply for your occupational license as soon as you secure a location, since it may require from two to six weeks to obtain a license.
Licensing Fees
Licensing fees vary greatly and are pro-rated on a quarterly basis. A complete listing of fees can be found on this web site under "Municipal Codes", "Business Licenses". Fees range from $10 - $924
Inspection and Review
Upon receipt of your application, the City will begin a review process, including the inspection of the business location and a background check of the business owners. A request for inspection must be made to the City Building Official at (816) 741-3993 or via e-Mail at CodesOfficer@RiversideMo.com. The City requests 24 hours notice to schedule an inspection.
Utility Connections
You may apply for utility connections or obtain information for utilities from the following:
Water: Missouri-American Water 1-866-430-0820
Electricity: Kansas City Power & Light Co. (816) 471-5275
Natural Gas: Missouri Gas Energy (816) 756-5252
Telephone: AT&T Telephone 1-800-464-7928
Cable Services: Time Warner Cable (816) 358-8833
STATE AND FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS
Fictitious Name Registration
Registration of a fictitious name may be made with the Missouri Secretary of State, State Office Building, 615 East 13th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or you may call (816) 889-2925.
Registering as an Employer
Every business employing people is subject to State withholding taxes for those individuals. To obtain information regarding withholding tax, you may call the Missouri Revenue Department at ( 816) 889-2944. The office is located in the State Office Building, in Kansas City.
Federal Employer ID Number
Each business employing people is also required to apply for a Federal employer identification number. A number may be obtained by calling (512) 462-7843 or you may call 1-800-829-1040 for forms or more information.
Contact Us
Email the Director of Planning and Economic Development at PlanningandDevelopment@RiversideMo.com or (816) 741-3993.
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