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:
* 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.
Mobile Food Vendor (Food Truck) Regulations in Odessa
The City of Odessa welcomes mobile food vendors but requires them to follow local regulations to ensure safety and fairness.
Key points of the ordinance include:
License Required: All mobile food vendors must obtain a City business license for each mobile unit. The license must be displayed and renewed annually (expiring June 30).
Operating Rules:
- Vendors may only park in legal parking spaces and cannot block traffic, fire hydrants, sidewalks, or pedestrian access.
- Operations are limited to 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily unless approved by the Board of Aldermen or part of a City-sponsored event.
- Vendors may not park directly in front of businesses or within 50 feet of a restaurant entrance without written consent.
- Overnight parking or leaving a unit unattended in the public right-of-way is prohibited.
- Written consent is required to operate on private property or most City park property (with limited exceptions).
Health & Safety: Vendors must comply with state, county, and city health and safety codes, including fire safety requirements. Each unit must provide its own power, trash receptacles, and maintain a clean area.
Appearance & Standards: Mobile units must be well-maintained, clean, and in good operating condition.
