Welcome!

Thank you for choosing the City of Glendale to establish your business. We wish you much success.

Below is a guide to assist City of Glendale businesses in successfully completing the licensing
process.  This guide will be applicable to the majority of businesses seeking to operate or conduct
business within the City of Glendale.  There may be other requirements needed from other
government agencies. A list of some of the agencies is provided below.

Before You Start Your Business

• There are important local regulatory issues that may require attention and if not in compliance
  with city regulations, could result in a delay of issuing a license.  To obtain details pertaining to
  your business regulations, refer to the Departments below.

• All Persons engaging in business, whether operating from a fixed location in Glendale or entering
  Glendale from an outside location to engage in business activities, is required to obtain a Glendale
  Business license and or Special Regulatory license.  Special provisions exist for residential rental
  businesses. Please visit the “Residential Rental” webpage.

• If your business is subject to transaction privilege sales and use tax you should be licensed with
  the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR).  If you are not yet licensed, visit www.AZTaxes.gov to
  register and get licensed. 

• If you are purchasing a business, you could be held liable for any unpaid Transaction and Privilege
  Sales Taxes owed to the City by the seller.  The purchaser should require proof that the taxes have
  been paid by having the former owner produce a Certificate of Compliance from the Tax & License
  Division.  Otherwise you may be subject to Successor Liability.

• Some types of licenses may require background checks and it is imperative to allow enough lead
  time for processing your license prior to opening your business.

Planning & Zoning
(623) 930-2800
Click here to visit their website

• Verify zoning regulations allow for your type of business at your proposed location

• Apply for permit(s) that may be required including signage.

• Verify parking requirements.

• All Home based business must complete the Home Based Business Questionnaire and submit
  withthe application.

• Group homes must first contact Planning & Zoning for approval.

• Requirements vary by location.  Call or visit the website for additional Planning & Zoning
  requirements.

Building Safety
(623) 930-2800
Click here to visit their website

• All commercial-based locations within the Glendale city limits must obtain Building Safety
  approval.

• Requirements vary by location. Call or visit the website for additional Building Safety
  requirements.

Fire Department
(623) 930-4400
Click here to visit their website

• Fire Permits
• Fire Protection
• Fire Preventions Contractors lists
• Fire Prevention Codes, Standards, Inspections
• Fire Plan review
• Hazardous Materials Permits
• Fireworks
• Special Event Permits

Transportation Department
(623) 930-2940
Click here to visit their website

• Sign Permits assure that signs meet City requirements.Please contact the Transportation
  Department at (623) 930-2940 for further information.
  

Police Department, Alarm Unit
(623) 930-2466
Click here to visit their website

• Alarm Security Permits verify addressing and building layout to guarantee access to the
  building in a timely manner in the event of an emergency, and secures all required contact
  information.

Next Steps
After you have obtained the required permits and are in compliance with Department regulations and
requirements as indicated above:

• Obtain the appropriate licensing packet(s), found at Application packets:
• Obtain a Business License packet and complete the checklist, application and other
  required documents.
• Obtain other license packets such as:Special Regulatory, Amusement, Sexually
  Oriented Business, Open-Air Markets and Park-and-Swap Operations.
• If you require a Transaction Privilege Sales Tax License, you will be required to obtain
  your Glendale TPT license with Arizona Department of Revenue by registering with
  AZTaxes.gov.
  
  
• Get fingerprinted, if necessary.

• Pay your fees. See the section below regarding Fees and Payment Information.

• Wait for the approval process which usually takes six to eight (6 to 8) weeks for most licenses
  but can be sooner if all requirements are in order at the time of application. If you are not in
  compliance with city regulations and requirements, this could result in a delay of issuing a license.
  See the section below regarding Timeline for Internal Processing.

Fees and Payment Information
(623) 930-3190

• Click here to view the Fee Schedule

• Payments can be paid in person at our office location, or mailed directly:

In person:
City of Glendale
City Hall First Floor
5850 W. Glendale Ave
Glendale, AZ 85301

Mail:
PO Box 800
Glendale, AZ 85311-0800

Timeline for Internal Processing
(623) 930-3190

• For information on the timeframes of an application submitted to the City for obtaining a
  license (permit), Timeline for Internal Processing
  

Other Information
(623) 930-3190

• Non-profit: All Glendale-based non-profits are also required to complete the standard
  Transaction Privilege Tax License application with the Arizona Department of Revenue.
  A copy of the current (dated 1994 or later) letter from the IRS confirming the organization’s
  non-profit status under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Service Code is required by the
  State in order to process your application.

• Licenses are subject to an annual renewal. A renewal notice will be sent to you approximately
  three weeks prior to the expiration date. A renewal fee may apply and it is important to return the
  renewal notice to renew your license, update the information, or to cancel the license. Your license
  will not automatically be cancelled. You must provide written notice of cancellation or sign and
  returnyour renewal notice indicating you wish to cancel. Transaction Privilege Tax Licenses will be
  renewed through the Arizona Department of Revenue.

• If you have questions or need assistance, contact our Customer Service Division weekdays,
  excluding holidays, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at (623) 930-3190 or by email
  at taxlic@glendaleaz.com.
  

Other Governmental Agencies that you may be required to contact

REMINDER!

• Some types of licensing require background checks. It is imperative to allow enough lead time
  for processing your license prior to opening your business.

• If you have not obtained the applicable permits or are not in compliance with Department regulations,
  approval of your license application could be delayed. On the other hand, if all requirements are met,
  the timeframe could be less than normal.

City of Glendale Licensing Changes, effective January 1, 2017

What are the changes?

Chapter 21, Article III – Licenses, Taxation and Miscellaneous Business Regulations

• Added definitions relevant to Business Licensing
• Added Business Licensing requirements
• Established a Business License Fee, $25
• Eliminated Business License fee proration
• Added business Licensing cancellation requirements
• Established Business cease and desist order guidelines
• Established an effective date
• Provided penalties for violations
• Provided for severability
• Established January 1, 2017 as the effective date

Chapter 21.1 (Model City Privilege Sales Tax Code), Article III – Licensing and Recordkeeping
Sec. 21.1-320

• Reduced the Transaction Privilege and Use tax License fee from $50 to $35
• Established an effective date
• Provided penalties for violations
• Provided for severabilit

What does this mean?

• Effective 1/1/2017, the Glendale Transaction Privilege and Use Tax License fee will be $35. 
  You will be required to obtain or renew your license with the Arizona Department of Revenue.
  The Arizona Department of Revenue will be conducting the 2017 license renewal for the City of
  Glendale. Visit AZTaxes.gov for assistance.

• Effective 1/1/2017, the Glendale Business License fee will be $25. You will be required to obtain
  or renew your license with the City of Glendale Tax & License Division.

• If your business started prior to 1/1/2017, you will also be liable for prior year fees and penalties
  according totheprior fee structure.