• Effective 4/1/2020 through 3/31/2021, Council authorized business license and surcharge fee suspension for all businesses due to the public health threat posed by the sudden outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The City worked with its partner at the Washington State Department of Revenue Business Licensing Service (BLS) to suspend fees during the eligible time period and to refund those that had already been paid for that year.
• Pandemic-related restrictions on business activity in certain industries continue and will likely continue for a number of months to negatively impact business viability in those industries.
• City desires to financially support businesses that have traditionally served large numbers of consumers indoors, simultaneously. These businesses are among those most severely impacted by the pandemic, are likely to remain subject to some of the longest restrictions, and are particularly well-situated to utilize the business license surcharge savings to support increased consumer safety.

Goal 9: Build the strongest, most resilient economy in the region.

The City generates approximately $5.5 million annually from the business license fee and surcharge (BLS) program. The revenue is dedicated to funding existing police officer positions and funding the increased level of street pavement management program.

Effective 4/1/2021, all businesses will be required to continue registration and payment of City business license fees through Washington State Department of Licensing.

From 4/1/2021 through 3/31/2022, businesses in several eligible categories will receive a refund from the City for 2021 fees and surcharges already paid. Eligible businesses will be required to complete a City of Vancouver BLS Refund application form to receive the refund. The State of Washington’s application processing system has limited flexibility and cannot accommodate significant deviations from the current program. Refund applications will, therefore, be processed manually by the City of Vancouver Business License division in the Finance department.

The eligibility for this program targets businesses that have traditionally served large numbers of consumers indoors, simultaneously. Specifically:

• Restaurants, Taverns, Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries;
• Fitness and Training Facilities;
• Movie Theatres, Theaters & Performing Arts; and
• Bowling Facilities.
  
  

Specific Washington State Guidance documents that identify which businesses are included in the above categories are identified in attachments A-E to the attached Ordinance.

These businesses are among those most severely impacted by the pandemic, are likely to remain subject to some of the longest restrictions and are particularly well-situated to utilize BLS savings to support increased consumer safety.

Supports local businesses in most negatively impacted by the pandemic industries.