Get a Business License

To comply with City Code Chapter 12 - Businesses, all corporations, companies, associations, joint stock companies, partnerships, and individuals engaged in any business activities or maintaining any institution, establishment, article, utility, or commodity must obtain and pay for a license from the City. The license fee will be in the amount specified in this Subchapter unless otherwise provided in the Code of Ordinances or other ordinances. Business licenses are valid for twelve months and start on July 1st of each year. Applicants must submit a copy of worker's compensation if applicable and a letter of no tax due from the Missouri Department of Revenue. For further details about business licenses in Odessa, please refer to the City of Odessa Codes of Ordinances.

All license renewals are due by July 1, and if unpaid, a notice of delinquency shall be sent to the merchant on July 15. Regardless of whether a letter is received, it is the merchant's responsibility to renew their business license annually. All licenses renewed after July 15 shall be subject to a late penalty. Such penalties shall be established from time to time by the Board of Aldermen and included in the city fee schedule.   

We are pleased to announce that the City of Odessa has moved the Business License renewal process to an online cloud-based software called  Cloudpermit. This new system allows you to complete the entire licensing process online providing greater convenience and efficiency. With Cloudpermit you can:



* Apply for a business license at any time, from anywhere.
* Check the status of your license and receive email notifications when the status changes.
* Confirm your safety inspection.
* Upload your documents with ease.
* Pay for your business license with a credit/debit card.
* Download your license.

 
 
 



Please have the following ready for upload if applicable:
Missouri No Tax Due Letter
Missouri Sales Tax License
Certificate of liability insurance listing the City of Odessa as the certificate holder
Proof of payment of personal property tax, sales tax, and merchant tax
Workman's Comp if more than 5 employees
If food is involved, the
Lafayette County Food Establishment Permit

If you prefer, you may still submit your documents and payment through the mail or in person at City Hall. Click here for a copy of the
Business License Application. Please contact Karen Findora at 816-230-5577 or karen.findora@cityofodessamo.com if you have any questions.