Temporary Business License

The Finance Department is responsible for the administration, direction, and coordination of all financial services of the City involving financial planning, budgeting, treasury management, investments, purchasing, accounting, payroll, business licensing, insurance, and utility customer services.

Temporary Business License

(Chapter 13, Columbia Code of Ordinances)

A Temporary Business License is valid for 14 consecutive days or less within any three-month period.

Application Forms:

Return completed forms to:

Business License Office
Finance Department
City of Columbia
P.O. Box 6015
701 East Broadway
Columbia, MO 65205

Questions:
(573) 874-7378

License Fees:

Temporary Entertainment Event - Carnival, circus, etc

Fees: $20.00 application/investigation fee plus a license fee based upon gross receipts during event:

Gross Receipt Amount	License Fee
less than $25,000	$15.00
between $25,000 and $100,000	$25.00
over $100,000	$.25 per thousand

If you are selling / serving food or drink, contact the Health Department at 573-874-7346.

Food Inspection Fee:

$30.00 – 1 to 3 consecutive days
$60.00 – 4 to 14 consecutive days

Additional Requirements:

Diagram of the event area that includes dimensions and location of vendors, tents, rides, etc.
Certificate of insurance naming City of Columbia as additional insured
Carnival owner must provide a copy of State safety inspections for each ride
Letter or lease agreement from property owners where event is being held
MO Sales Tax number must be obtained from the MO Dept. of Revenue by calling 573-751-2836
If you set up tents or display signs, contact the Protective Inspection Division atl 573-874-7474
Area must be ADA accessible
Provide names and phone numbers of two (2) contact persons

Temporary Business Stand - stationary booth, tent, street stand, etc.

Fees: $20.00 application / investigation fee plus a license fee based upon gross receipts during event:

Gross Receipt Amount	License Fee
less than $25,000	$15.00
between $25,000 and $100,000	$25.00
over $100,000	$.25 per thousand

If you are selling / serving food or drink, contact the Health Department at 573-874-7346.

Food Inspection Fee:

$30.00 – 1 to 3 consecutive days
$60.00 – 4 to 14 consecutive days

Additional Requirements:

Letter or lease agreement from property owners where temporary business is located
MO Sales Tax number must be obtained from the MO Dept. of Revenue by calling 573-751-2836
If you set up tents or display signs, contact the Protective Inspection Division at 573-874-7474

Temporary Special Event – Show or festival with vendors, booth/exhibit rental, etc.

Note: The Promoter of the event must obtain the temporary special event license

Fees: $20.00 application/investigation fee plus $5.00 per day per vendor / participant

- Maximum fee of $15.00 per vendor/participant.

If you are selling / serving food or drink, contact the Health Department at 573-874-7346.

Food Inspection Fee:

$30.00 – 1 to 3 consecutive days
$60.00 – 4 to 14 consecutive days

Additional Requirements:

If alcoholic beverages will be served outside the licensed premise, a caterers permit must be obtained
Listing of vendors/participants
Diagram of the event area that includes dimensions and location of vendors, tents, etc.
Certificate of insurance naming City of Columbia as additional insured
Letter or lease agreement from property owners where event is being held
MO Sales Tax number must be obtained from MO Dept. of Revenue, 573-751-2836 (if required)
If you set up tents or display signs, contact the Protective Inspection Division at 573-874-7474
Area must be ADA accessible

All businesses must abide by all laws and regulations, including zoning, fire codes and health directives. Failure to comply can result in suspension or revocation of the business license.