Business Licenses

The City of Waterville regulates the licensing of certain types of businesses through its Licenses and Permits Ordinance. Restaurants, Pawnbrokers, Mobile Food Vendors, Taxicab owners and operators, Theaters, and Innkeepers are examples of activities that require a city business license. Closing out sales, Junkyards, and on-premise consumption of liquor are examples of state licenses that must be acquired at the municipal level. All businesses operating in Waterville that are not incorporated through the Secretary of State's office must register as either a Sole Proprietor or a Partnership at the City Clerk's office, which requires a one-time filing and payment of a $10 fee.

Anyone interested in starting a business in the City of Waterville should first contact the Code Enforcement Office. Businesses that require a city license should make an application in the City Clerk's office and pay the associated fee. New licenses must be approved by the City Council, which meets on the first the third Tuesday of each month. Applicants should be aware that the agenda for the City Council meetings is finalized the week before the meeting. In addition, all businesses must be inspected and approved by the Fire Department and the Code Enforcement Office before any license(s) can be issued.