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Business Licenses

The City of Davenport welcomes and appreciates your business in the City. We do, however, have license and permit requirements to protect both the business operator and the consumer.  Due to our multi-business license fee code structure, we have tried to assemble information in a format that is both informative and accessible to use. If at any time you need assistance, please call or visit the following locations:

Revenue Division

Davenport City Hall
226 West 4th Street
Davenport, Iowa 52801
(563)326-7715


The following categories set forth the various business license requirements for the City of Davenport. You have the ability to view license fees and access the appropriate section of the municipal code that supports such fees. In addition, you may download application forms and mail the completed form to the appropriate City department for processing.

Alarm Systems (5.06)

Legal Authorization: Municipal Code Chapter 5.06

Description / Fee

Annual Fee

Alarm Business

$50

Alarm Central Station

$50

Alarm Modified Central Station

$50

Alarm System Direct

$100

Alarm System Permit

$0

 
Alarm System Application
Alarm System Permit Application

Notes:
  1. 10% penalty for annual license (April 1-March 31) if not paid by May 1.
  2. Half year license fee for new license if acquired between October 1-March 31.
  3. Requires approval of Zoning/Land Development; Fire Department; Police Department; Health Department.
  4. Requires Police Department approval.

Auctions and Auctioneers (5.03)

Legal Authorization: Municipal Code Chapter 5.03, 5.05, 5.17

 

Description / Fee

Annual Fee

Auctioneer All Year (5.03)

$150
Auction Sales Room (5.03)
$10 for each consecutive day or $150 for 1 year license

Closing Out Auction Sale (5.05)

$50

Auction Transient (5.17)

$25 per day


Click here to access the online Application

Notes:
  1. 10% penalty for annual license (April 1-March 31) if not paid by May 1.
  2. Half year license fee for new license if acquired between October 1-March 31.
  3. May require Auction, Auctioneer, or other retail licenses.
  4. Must provide list of inventories, equipment, or fixtures to be sold.
  5. Must have been in business for at least 12 months. If not, a Transient Merchant license is required.

Billboards, Signs, & Canopies (5.02)

Legal Authorization: Municipal Code Chapter 5.02

Design and structural approval from both the Engineering Division and Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) is required prior to the completion and submission of this business license application. Engineering can be reached at 563-326-7729 and CPED can be reached at 563-326-7765

Description / Fee

Annual Fee

Billboard Maintenance $75
Canopy

Temporary sign/canopy

Bridge for signs on railroad viaduct

$50/per canopy

$2.00/week

$5.00/sign


Click here to access the online application


Notes:
  • 10% penalty for annual license (April 1st – March 31st) if not paid by May 1st.
  • Half year license fee for new license if acquired between October 1st – March 31st.
  • Requires approval of Building Code Enforcement, Community Planning and Economic Development, Public Safety Committee, and Finance. Billboards require additional approval from the City Council.
  • Approval is needed prior to construction of the structure.
  • Liability insurance showing coverage against the structure needs to be submitted with the application.
  • A signed hold harmless agreement needs to be submitted with the application.

Associated Documents
Bike License (10.84.020)
Bicycle License Application

Help the City help you by having your bicycle registered. If your bicycle is lost or stolen, report the missing bicycle to the Davenport Police Department by calling 326-7979. You will need to provide your license number, serial number, and description of your bicycle.

To see if your bicycle has been recovered, call Davenport Police Property and Evidence at 326-7775.  

There is a fee of $5.00 to license your bicycle as long as you own the bicycle. 

 

Click here to register your bicycle online and pay the $5.00 registration fee with a credit card.  Once we receive the online application and payment, we will mail the license to you.

Or to apply by mail, print the bicycle license application and mail it along with a $5.00 check per bicycle payable to:

City of Davenport
226 West 4th Street
Davenport, Iowa 52801

If you prefer not to register by mail or online, you may register your bicycle by going to any of the following locations:

Davenport City Hall
226 West 4th Street
Davenport, Iowa

Any City Fire Station

Jerry and Sparky's Bicycle Shop
1819 East Locust St
Davenport, Iowa

For further information, please call (563) 326-7793

Cigarette/Tobacco/Nicotine/Vapor Permit (Iowa State Code 453A.13)

Legal Authorization: Municipal Code Chapter 5.15

Description / Fee

Annual Fee

1 year (July 1 - June 30)

$100

3/4 Year (Oct 1 - June 30)

$75

1/2 Year (Jan 1 - June 30)

$50

1/4 Year (Apr 1 - June 30)

$25

 

Notes:

Renewals sent to vendors on June 1 and are due on July 1annually.

Closing Out Sale (5.05)

Legal Authorization: Municipal Code Chapter 5.03, 5.05, 5.17

Description / Fee

Annual Fee

Auctioneer All Year (5.03)

$150

Auction Sales Room (5.03)

$10 for each consecutive day or $150 for 1 year license

Closing Out Auction Sale (5.05)

$50

Auction Transient (5.17)

$25 per day

 

Notes:
  • 10% penalty for annual license (April 1-March 31) if not paid by May 1.
  • Half year license fee for new license if acquired between October 1-March 31.
  • May require Auction, Auctioneer, or other retail licenses.
  • Must provide list of inventories, equipment, or fixtures to be sold.
  • Must have been in business for at least 12 months. If not, a Transient Merchant license is required.

Click here to access the Online Application

Vehicle Related Businesses

Legal Authorization: Municipal Code Chapter 8.08, 5.07, 5.08, 5.09, 5.18, 5.19

Description / Fee

Application

Garbage/Refuse Trucks - (8.08.120)

1

Gasoline Station & Public Garages (5.07)

2

Motor Vehicle & Motorcycle Sales & Dealer Application (5.08 & 5.09)

3

Mobile Cart Vendor Application (5.19)

6

Mobile Ice Cream Vendor Operator Application (5.18)

7

Mobile Ice Cream Vendor Owners Application (5.18)

8

 

Notes -  May be subject to all or some of these items.

  1. 10% penalty for annual license (April 1-March 31) if not paid by May 1.
  2. Half year license fee for new license if acquired between October 1-March 31.
  3. Requires approval of Zoning and Land Development and Fire Department.
  4. Requires approval of Zoning and Land Development; Fire Department; Public Safety Committee.
  5. Requires approval of Zoning and Land Development; Fire Department; Vehicle Inspector.
  6. Requires approval of Zoning and Land Development; Fire Department; Police Department; Vehicle Inspector; Public Safety Committee
  7. Requires approval of Police Department.
  8. Requires approval of Police Department and Vehicle Inspector.
  9. Requires approval of Public Safety Committee.
  10. Requires approval of City Council.
  11. Requires test.

Access the Online Garbage / Refuse Truck Application

Access the Online Gasoline and Public Garage Application

Access the Online Motorcycle and Motor Vehicle Dealer Application

  1. Printable Garbage - Refuse Truck Application
  2. Printable Public Garage Application
  3. Printable Motor Vehicle & Motorcycle Sales & Dealer Application
  4. Printable Mobile Cart Vendor Application
  5. Printable Mobile Ice Cream Vendor Operator Application
  6. Printable Mobile Ice Cream Vendor Owners Application
Live Entertainment (5.14)

Legal Authorization: Municipal Code Chapter 5.14

Live Entertainment License Fee - $50.00

Click here to Access the Online Application

Notes:
  • 10% penalty for annual license (April 1st – March 31st) if not paid by May 1st.
  • Half year license fee for new license if acquired between October 1st – March 31st.
  • Requires approval of Police, Community Planning and Economic Development, Fire, and Finance
  • Requires a valid liquor license as defined in Chapter 5.10 of the Municipal Code
  • Must comply with the decibel restrictions by Receiving Land Use as defined in Chapter 8.19 of the Municipal Code
  • Link to summary
Metal Recycler and Salvage Operator (5.23)

Legal Authorization: Municipal Code Chapter 5.23

Description / Fee

Metal Recyclers and Salvage Operators - $300.00

Notes:
  • 10% penalty for annual license (April 1st – March 31st) if not paid by May 1st.
  • Half year license fee for new license if acquired between October 1st – March 31st.
  • Requires approval of Police Department, Community Planning and Economic Development, and Fire Department
  • Requires a Record of Transaction for items such as motor vehicles, machinery, scrap iron, steel, brass, bronze, aluminum, zinc, magnesium, stainless steel, titanium, or electric scrap.

Click here to Access the Online Application

 

Contact

Revenue Division
226 W 4th Street
Davenport, IA 52801
Phone:
563-326-7707
Fax:
563-326-7722
Email:
Mobile Cart (Food Truck) Vendor (5.19)

Find information below regarding food trucks in Davenport including applications, licensing and other frequently asked questions:

Online Application For Mobile Food Unit License & Permit / Printable Version

Online Application For Mobile Food Unit Special Occurrence Permit/ Printable Version 

 

Contacts


 

General  Program Questions
Brian Krup
Deputy City Clerk
(563) 326-6163
[email protected]

Fire Inspection Questions & Scheduling
Fire Marshal James Morris
Fire Prevention
(563) 326-7808
[email protected]

 

FAQs


 

I have a mobile food unit and want to vend in the City of Davenport. Where should I start?
All mobile food units operating in Davenport are required to have a mobile food unit license issued by the City of Davenport. To be issued a license, the vendor must: 1) complete an application 2) Provide proof of auto and liability insurance (click to view requirements) 3) show proof of a valid Scott County Health Department permit and 4) pass a fire inspection performed by Davenport Fire personnel.

What is the cost of operating a mobile food unit in the City of Davenport?
All mobile food units are required to obtain a $55 annual mobile food unit license.  

I only want to vend on private property, what do I need?
If you only want to vend on private property, you will only need to obtain a $55 mobile food unit license from the City of Davenport.

I’m a business and want to have a mobile food unit in front of my business in the right-of-way (street), what do I need to do?
If you’re a business and want to have a mobile food unit set up in the street in front of your business, you need to fill out the special occurrence application and pay the $100 fee. The application should list all dates/times that you would like to have a vendor present. The City will send a notification to all businesses within 200-feet of your establishment and will calculate any protest rate. The application will then go before the City Council for final approval at a regularly scheduled City Council meeting. Once approved, you will be issued a special occurrence permit.

What are the Fire requirements, and what will be evaluated during my fire inspection?
Please click here for a link to the form that Davenport Fire personnel will use to complete your inspection along with references to all necessary Fire/Building codes.

I heard there is a local Food Truck Association, and I want to join. What do I do next?
There is a local Food Truck Association non-profit focused on marketing and special events. You can reach them at [email protected].

I’m a business and want to have mobile food units on my private property for an event. Who should I contact?
The City can’t organize food trucks for private events; however, it is recommended that you reach out to the Food Truck Association for a list of all vendors and to get the next steps.

Pawnbrokers, Secondhand Dealers, Junk Dealers, and Antique Dealers (5.22)

Legal Authorization: Municipal Code Chapter 5.22

Description / Fee

Annual Fee

Pawnbroker

$300

Junk Dealer

$300

Itinerant Dealer

$500

Antique Dealer, whose business, other than purchases from an estate, involve 10% or less of business items requiring record of transaction

$50

Antique Dealer, whose business, other than purchases from an estate, involve 10% or more of business items requiring record of transaction

$300

2nd Hand Dealer whose business, other than purchases from an estate, involve no records of transactions

$50

2nd Hand Dealer whose business, other than purchases from an estate, involve records of transactions

$300



Notes - All or some of the following may apply.
  • 10% penalty for annual license (April 1-March 31) if not paid by May 1.
  • Half year license fee for new license if acquired between October 1-March 31.
  • Requires approval of Zoning/ Land Development; Fire Department; Police Department.

Click Here to Access the Online Application

Public Amusements (5.12) & Public Dancehall (5.13)

License Description: Public Amusements

Legal Authorization: Municipal Code Chapter 5.12, 5.13, and Uniform Fire Code 15.32

Description / Fee

Annual Fee

Notes

Application Form

Bowling Alley(5.12)

$25 per lane

1, 2, 3

Bus Lic-1

Dancehall in nightclub(5.13)

$200

1, 2, 3

Dancehall (principal business) (5.13)

$200

1, 2, 3

Game Machines (5.12)

$50 per machine

8

Golf/Athletic Practice Field (5.12)

$100

1, 2, 8

Jukeboxes (5.12)

$50 per Jukebox

8

Miniature Golf (5.12)

$100

1, 2, 8

Pool Tables (5.12)

$50 per pool table

1, 2, 8

Theatre

Less than 600 seats

$150

 

600 - 999 seats

$225

 

1,000 - 1,499 seats

$300

 

1,500 - 1,999 seats

$375

 

2,000 + seats

$600

 

 

Notes:
  • 10% penalty for annual license (April 1-March 31) if not paid by May 1.
  • Half year license fee for new license if acquired between October 1-March 31.
  • Requires approval of Zoning/Land Development and Fire Department.
  • Requires approval of Police Department and Public Safety Committee.
  • Requires approval of Public Safety Committee and City Council.
  • Requires approval of Zoning/Land Development; Fire Department; Police Department.Requires approval of Fire Department
  • Other licenses may be required.

Click Here to access the Online application

Retail and Transient Merchant (5.17)
Retail Merchant Legal Authorization: Municipal Code Chapter 5.17

 

Description / Fee

Annual Fee

Notes

Application Form

Retail Merchant -

Code Section 5.17

 

1, 2, 3

 

Bus Lic-1

 

Retail Seasonal

$25

Retail no floor space

$50

Retail 4,000 sq. ft.

or less plus $50 for each

additional 5,000 sq. ft. thereafter

$75

 

Notes:

1.      10% penalty for annual license (April 1-March 31) if not paid by May 1.

2.      Half year license fee for new license if acquired between October 1-March 31.

3.      Requires approval of Zoning/ Land Development; Fire Department; Police Department.

Click here to access the Online Application

Transient Merchant Legal Authorization: Municipal Code Chapter 5.08; 5.14; 5.34; 5.36

Description / Fee

Annual Fee

Application Form

Online Application Link

Transient Merchant

$300

Tran Merc-2

Online Application

Transient Merchant - Auction

$25 per day

 

Notes:
  • 10% penalty for annual license (April 1-March 31) if not paid by May 1.
  • Half year license fee for new license if acquired between October 1-March 31.
  • Requires approval of Zoning/Land Development; Fire Department; Police Department.
  • Minimum $5,000 bond required for door-to-door sales and/or blanket licenses.
  • Property owner's authorization required for on-site sales.
  • Fixed sales location requires property owner to provide bathroom facilities and ample parking for employees and customers.
  • Door-to-door sales may require duplicate copies of license.
  • May require auctioneer license or other city license.
  • Must require list of inventories, equipment, or fixtures to be sold.
Tent Permit (UFC 15.32.070)

Legal Authorization: Uniform Fire Code 15.32.070

  • Fee:                     $20.00
  • Reviewers:       CPED, Fire, Finance
  • Application:    Click here to access the Online Application
  • Regulation:     

    The City of Davenport requires residents and businesses who setup tents 10’x20’ or larger to be inspected by the Fire Department prior to be open for public or event use to ensure the tent complies with Fire regulations found in Chapter 15.32, Uniform Fire Regulations.

If you have any additional questions, please contact the Revenue Division at 563-326-7707.

Tree Trimmer License (8.14)
Legal Authorization: Municipal Code Chapter 8.14

  • Fee $50.00 annually
  • Approvers: Forestry, Finance
  • Licenses are not transferable
  • Bond Required
    • A 10,000 bond is required to be filed with the city clerk. Also the licensee shall indemnify, save and keep harmless the city and its officers from any and all claims,
    • Damages, losses and actions, by reason of any acts or things done under or by authority or permission granted in this chapter
  • Liability insurance required
    • A policy of public liability insurance needs to be filed with the clerk. Provided are the amounts of coverage required:
      • Not less than $50,000 for damage to any one person.
      • Not less than $100,000 for one accident or event
      • Not less than $25,000 for property damage.
  • Compliance with Iowa Workmen’s Compensation
    • Evidence of compliance with the requirements of Iowa Workmen’s Compensation Laws need to b submitted with the application.
  • Approval of insurance policy required
    • Any insurance policy needs to approved by the city’s risk management division.
  • Removing, cutting, trimming - Permit required
    • Permits are required to cut trees on city property.
  • Removing, cutting, or trimming – Notice of defects

Click Here to Access the Online Application

Massage Therapy and Reflexology (5.24 & 5.25)
 Legal Authorization: Municipal Code Chapter 5.24 & 5.25 

 

Description / Fee

Annual Fee

Massage Therapy

$0.00

Reflexology

$100.00

 

Massage Therapist Notes:

  • Regulations only, the City of Davenport does not issue a license

  • No person shall operate as a massage therapist unless licensed by the State of Iowa.

  • License must be displayed or kept in possession at all time while doing business

  • Hours of operation on the premises are not permitted between 10:00pm and 5:00am

  • A massage business shall produce upon request by City staff business information defined in the ordinance or face a penalty including the shutdown of business operations

Reflexology Notes:

  • License requires approval from Zoning, Police Department, and Fire Department

  • 10% penalty for annual license (April 1-March 31) if not paid by May 1.

  • Half year license fee for new license if acquired between October 1-March 31.

  • License must be displayed on the premise in a visible public area

  • Massage therapist licensed by the State of Iowa providing reflexology services do not need to be licensed by the City

  • Hours of operation on the premises are not permitted between 10:00pm and 5:00am

  • Reflexology license is specific to a location; multiple locations require a license for each location

  • A licensed reflexology business shall produce upon request by City staff business information defined in the ordinance or face a penalty including the shutdown of business operations

*****ONLINE APPLICATION*****

 Reflexology Business License Application