The City of Douglas requires that all businesses operating within the city obtain a Business License (services and regulated businesses). Additionally, businesses located inside the city limits, including home-occupations, must obtain zoning clearance for their business license(s). Effective January 1, 2017, the Arizona Department of Revenue began collecting and administering the City's sales tax.

Business License Application Procedures

Business cannot open until license has been issued; failure to comply may result in fines. Be sure to acquire Federal Tax Identification Number (TIN). This can be either your social security number or an employer identification number (EIN) issued by the IRS. EIN can be obtained via the IRS website.

Complete business license application; obtain clearance from Planning and Zoning Inspector. Please remember to check with planning and zoning before you set up signage or make any business alterations. Any business opening in historic district may have additional painting and signage requirements.

Obtain the Transaction Privilege License from the state, if applicable view the Taxable Businesses (PDF) document and obtain Cochise County Health Department Permit (if applicable for food and drink establishments). Application will be reviewed and building classification determined for the occupancy certificate.

Application Finalization & Return Process

Application will be returned to the Finance Department for routing to Public Works for a right-of-way review and a review for cross-connections. Public Works has 2 days to complete the inspection.

Application is returned to Finance Department for routing to the Fire Department (If applicable). Fire Department will have 5 days to complete the inspection.

Once the application passes the final inspection and approval of all applicable codes and standards and if all conditions have been met, a business license will be issued after payment of fees.