Phone: 541-996-2153
Email: planning@lincolncity.org
Office: 801 SW Highway 101, 3rd Floor
(Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

The Planning & Community Development Department can help you answer the kinds of questions below that are required when starting or doing business in Lincoln City.

• Verify that property zoning allows your business.

• Identify the types of building permits required (change of use, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing). 

• If you plan to have signs, ask what type are allowed for your location (it varies, so be sure to check) and what types of sign permits are required

• Review the address file for your proposed location, whether you are buying or renting. This gives you a history of building and mechanical permits.

• Determine if other special circumstances apply such as Home Occupation Agreement, Street Vendor License, Concession Agreement, Mobile Food Unit, or Seasonal Permit Application

Should your business have a physical location in the City of Lincoln City, Building and mechanical permits may be required. The State of Oregon ePermitting website is where you will apply.

You will also need to apply for required electrical and plumbing permits through the Lincoln County Building Division.

You may obtain a business occupancy tax permit application from our website including below and mail or email your completed form and licensing fee information to our Finance Department.

• Business Occupancy Tax Permit Application

Here are some of the fees you may need to pay when starting a business (all of these fees are subject to change):

• All Current City Fees

• Business Occupational Tax Permit (Business License)
  • Application fee, plus annual fee based on the number of employees. Long term rentals and vacation rentals also need this permit.

• Home Occupation Permit
  • One-time fee.

• Street Vendor License: Annual Fee.
  
  • Seasonal Permit: Per event
  • Mobile Food Unit: Land use fee and license fee
  • Concession Fee: If City property or right-of-way is used. All fees above require a valid Occupation Tax Permit fee.

• Liquor License: City fee in addition to Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Control Commission.

• Alarm Permit: Annual fee

• Building Permit: Fee based on value and type and work. The City uses the Oregon State e-Permitting System and fee structure.

• Zoning Sign Permit: Per sign. (Most signs also need a building permit, with a separate fee. An electrical permit may also be required from Lincoln County.)

Depending on the type of business and where it is located there may be special circumstances, certain forms and fees may need to be submitted to the City. Below are examples:

• Home Occupations: You may conduct some businesses from your residence. Home occupations cannot have employees other than the owners. Also, no signs or outdoor storage of supplies, etc. By signing the Home Occupation Agreement, you agree to these limitations. These rules are to protect residential neighborhoods.

• Food Service Businesses: Contact both the following:
  • Lincoln County Health Department: 541-265-4127
  • Lincoln City Building Department: 541-996-2153
  • Requirements are very specific to your project. Fire suppression systems and installation of ventilation hoods are sometimes required. Be sure to check with the Finance Department on new liquor licenses and alarm permits. 

• Street Vending: Vending carts/tables are limited to a maximum  size of four (4) feet by eight (8) feet (4x8), and only in specific areas of Lincoln City. You must have insurance to be a street vendor. Please check before you buy or build a cart. The full rules for street vending are found in Chapter 5.28 of the city code. The Lincoln City Municipal Code is posted here to include Chapter 5: 'Business Taxes, Licenses and Regulations'. Check with the Lincoln County Health Department if you plan to sell food.  

• Mobile Food Units: Mobile food units are fully self-contained and must meet state, county, and Department of Motor Vehicles requirements for licensing, registration, and operation as a unit utilized to provide commercial food preparation and serving to the general public.Complete rules for mobile food units can be found in Chapter 5.30 and Section 17.80.170 of the City Municipal Code. Below is a PDF guide from the Oregon Health Authority for Mobile Food Operations.
  
  • Oregon Health Authority Mobile Food Operation Guide

• Seasonal Permit: A permit may be issued to a business entity or tax-exempt organization for the temporary display and sale of merchandise outside to allow the limited display of merchandise which is seasonal in nature and does not conflict with zoning district regulations where such activity is posted. Complete rules for seasonal permits can be found in Section 05.04.150 of the City Municipal Code.

• Residential Rentals: Both long-term rentals (monthly) and vacation rentals (nightly/weekly) require an Occupation Tax Permit.

• Right-of-way Use Permit: Permission to use city street or rights-of-way may be granted only through the issuance of revocable licenses, concessions, franchises or permits.

Here are local business and other organizations that may be of assistance in development of your business in the community.

Local Business Organizations

Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce
4039 NW Logan Road
(in the Safeway complex)
Lincoln City, OR 97367
Phone:541-994-3070
Email: info@LCChamber.com

Bay Area Merchants (BAMA)
Email: director@taftbeach.com (organization for businesses in Taft and beyond)

Other Resources

Urban Renewal Agency
City Hall, Third Floor
801 SW Highway 101
Lincoln City, OR 97367
Phone: 541-996-1095
Email: EcDev@lincolncity.org

Explore Lincoln City
City Hall, Fourth Floor
801 SW Highway 101
Lincoln City, OR 97367
Phone:541-996-1274
Email: visitors@lincolncity.org

Lincoln County Health and Human Services
Phone: 541-265-4127 (leave voicemail)

Small Business Development Center
3788 SE High School Drive
(Lincoln City Campus of Oregon Coast Community College)
Lincoln City, OR 97367
Phone:541-994-4166
Email: occc@oregoncoast.edu

Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Control Commission
9079 SE McLoughlin Blvd
Portland, OR 97222
Phone: 503-872-5000

Worksource Oregon (Lincoln City/Newport)
(Newport/Lincoln City Branch)
120 NE Avery Street
Newport, OR 97365
541-757-4261

Business Oregon
775 Summer Street NE, Ste 200
Salem, OR 97301-1280
Phone:503-986-0123

Oregon Secretary of State
Find out about business names, registrations, and much more!