Prior to applying for a business license, you will first need to obtain a Commercial Occupancy permit from our Planning and Zoning Department. The application can be found here: Applications, Forms, & Permits  Any questions regarding this process can be directed to codequestionsbd@claytonmo.gov or 314-290-8463.

Once the Commercial Occupancy permit has been approved (meaning inspections passed and permit document issued) you may apply for a business license. Business License applications are available from the Finance Department located on the first floor at City Hall or you can send a request to licensing@claytonmo.gov to have one mailed or e-mailed to you. 

The license year runs from July 1 through June 30 annually. There are multiple types of business licenses. 

• Gross Receipts (Service-based businesses, Restaurants, Merchants, Salons, etc.)
• Set Fee (Non-Service-Based Businesses, Banks, Insurance Brokers, Real Estate, etc.) 
• Vending Machine licenses. 

Licensed businesses will receive a renewal packet annually in May. New businesses can download a new license application but should not submit it before obtaining their Commercial Occupancy permit. Please make sure to choose the appropriate license type before submitting your application. If you need assistance selecting the correct application, send a description of your business to licensing@claytonmo.gov. 

 Business License – Gross Receipts (Restaurant / Merchant / Service-Based)

Gross Receipts license fees are calculated based on the applicant’s gross receipts - at the rate of $1.25 per $1,000.00 gross receipts with a minimum fee of $50.00.  For renewing licensees, fees are based on the previous calendar year’s gross receipts (January-December).  Businesses generating sales must present a Certificate of No Tax Due issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue – Sales Tax Division.  You may print your Certificate of No Tax Due by logging onto the Department of Revenue website at  https://dor.mo.gov/business/sales/notaxdue/

For a new gross receipts business license application, click here. 

Business License – Set Fee (Non-Service-Based)

Set-Fee license fees are determined by the greater amount of either the set fee schedule or $8.00 per employee. The set fee schedule may be found under the City’s Code of Ordinances Chapter 605 section 605.100 or on page 2 of the business license application.

For a new set fee business license application, click here. 

Vending Machine licenses are charged a set fee per machine.  A list of vending machine license fees may be found in section 605.100 of the Code of Ordinances for the City of Clayton.

For a new vending machine license application, click here.