How Billings Handles Business Licensing & Operations: A Practical Guide

Billings maintains 74 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with business licensing & operations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Billings falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Towing Companies

Tow operators in Billings must register with the Montana Public Service Commission for non-consent towing and follow BMC Chapter 8 business licensing. Maximum tow and storage rates are set under state administrative rules.

Key details: State authority: MT Public Service Commission. State law: MCA Title 69 Chapter 12. Rotation list: BPD-managed. Local code: BMC Chapter 8.

Charging above MPSC-approved rates risks state penalties up to 1000 dollars per occurrence plus license suspension. Failure to post required signage on private-lot tows may void the tow and require fee refunds under state consumer rules.

Tobacco Retail License

Billings tobacco retailers must register with Montana Department of Revenue and follow MCA Title 16 Chapter 11 rules. Minimum sale age is 21 statewide. RiverStone Health enforces local compliance checks.

Key details: Minimum age: 21 years statewide. Licensing authority: MT Department of Revenue. State law: MCA 16-11-305. Local enforcement: RiverStone Health.

Selling tobacco to anyone under 21 risks state license suspension, fines from 100 to 500 dollars per violation under MCA 16-11-308, and potential loss of retail registration after repeat offenses.

Pawnbrokers

Billings pawnbrokers and secondhand dealers must register with the Billings Police Department, hold a city business license, and report transactions through electronic property reporting databases to deter trafficking in stolen goods.

Key details: Reporting system: Daily electronic to BPD. Holding period: 14 to 30 days. State law: MCA Title 31 Chapter 1. Records retention: Multi-year.

Failure to report transactions or knowingly receiving stolen property is a misdemeanor or felony depending on value, with license revocation, fines up to 500 dollars per missed report, and potential criminal charges under MCA 45-6-301.

Tattoo & Body Modification

Tattoo and piercing shops in Billings must register with RiverStone Health for sanitation inspection and obtain a city business license under BMC Chapter 8. Montana has no statewide tattoo license requirement.

Key details: Health inspector: RiverStone Health. Minor tattoo law: MCA 45-5-623. Min age tattoo: 18 years. License code: BMC Chapter 8.

Tattooing minors violates MCA 45-5-623 and is a misdemeanor with fines up to 500 dollars. Failed sanitation inspections by RiverStone Health may trigger suspension of operations until corrections are verified.

Massage Establishments

Massage therapists in Billings must hold a Montana state license under MCA Title 37 Chapter 33. Establishments register with the city Business License office. Operators face background checks and zoning compliance.

Key details: State authority: MT Board of Massage Therapy. Training hours: 600 minimum. Local code: BMC Chapter 8. Exam required: MBLEx.

Operating without a state license carries fines up to 500 dollars and possible cease-and-desist orders. Local business license violations under BMC Chapter 8 may add daily penalties and forced closure pending compliance.

The Bottom Line

Billings's business licensing & operations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Billings is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Billings's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.