Business Licensing & Operations in Kennewick, WA (2026)
8 verified business licensing & operations rules for Kennewick, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Kennewick requires separate Class II licenses to operate an adult concession and to work there as an entertainer or manager under Kennewick Municipal Code § 6.35.040. Adult businesses other than motels must close between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and between 2:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Sundays.
Kennewick Adult Concession License and Hours Rules
Significant RestrictionsKennewick Municipal Code § 6.35.040 (Ord. 3696, Sec. 2, 1997; Ord. 3563, Sec. 1, 1995); § 6.35.060 (Ord. 3563, Sec. 1, 1995); § 6.35.160 (Ord. 5322 Sec. 24, 2010; Ord. 3696 Sec. 11, 1997)
6.35.020 Class: Adult concessions are Class II licenses. ... 6.35.040 License Required: (1)A person may not operate an adult concession without a valid license to do so.(2)No person shall work as an entertainer providing live adult entertainment at any adult business without having first obtained an entertainer's license.(3)No person shall work as a manager at an adult concession without having...
Massage Establishments
Kennewick requires a Class II business license to operate a massage or reflexology business under Kennewick Municipal Code § 6.37.040, and separately bars anyone from practicing or advertising as a massage therapist or reflexologist without state licensure or certification. Businesses cannot operate between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Kennewick Massage and Reflexology Business License
Significant RestrictionsKennewick Municipal Code § 6.37.040 (Ord. 6026 Sec. 1, 2023); § 6.37.080 (Ord. 6026 Sec. 1, 2023); § 6.37.100 (Ord. 6026 Sec. 1, 2023); § 6.37.200 (Ord. 6026 Sec. 1, 2023)
6.37.020 Class: A massage or reflexology business license is a Class II license. ... 6.37.040 License Required: 1.A person is prohibited from operating a massage or reflexology business without a valid business license.2.A business license issued under this Chapter is not assignable or transferable.3.If a massage or reflexology business' address or owner changes, the business is required to for...
Tattoo & Body Modification
Tattooing anyone under 18 in Kennewick is a misdemeanor unless the artist can prove a documented, good-faith photo-ID age check; only licensed-physician medical procedures are exempt from the ban.
Kennewick Bans Tattooing Minors
Some RestrictionsKennewick Municipal Code § 10.06.075 (Ord. 4027 Sec. 1, 2002)
Consistent with RCW 26.28, Laws of Washington, every person who applies a tattoo to any minor under the age of 18 is guilty of a misdemeanor. It is not a defense to a violation of this section that the person applying the tattoo did not know the minor's age unless the person applying the tattoo establishes, by a preponderance of the evidence, that he or she made a reasonable bona fide attempt t...
Tobacco Retail License
Merchants selling tobacco products in Kennewick must obtain a special Tobacco Sales License and post required notices, or face gross misdemeanor penalties up to $5,000 and a year in jail.
Kennewick Tobacco Retail License
Significant RestrictionsKennewick Municipal Code § 10.16.085(3) (Ord. 25-6082 Sec. 1, 2025; Ord. 3794 Sec. 2, 1998; Ord. 3723 Sec. 8, 1997; Ord. 3236 Sec. 1, 1990)
Merchants who sell tobacco products in the City of Kennewick are required to obtain a special license. Each licensed business must post a notice stating that it is illegal for a person under the age of 18 to possess any tobacco products.(4)A key provision of the law requires that a merchant not sell to any person under 18. The merchant must check the identification of any person under 30 prior ...
Secondhand Dealers
Kennewick requires pawnbrokers and secondhand dealers to hold a Class II business license, log every transaction into the police department's database, and hold purchased goods 30 days before resale.
Kennewick Secondhand Dealer License Required
Some RestrictionsKennewick Municipal Code § 6.17.040 (Ord. 5210, Sec. 1, 2007; Ord. 3321, Sec. 2, 1991; Ord. 2908, Sec. 1(part), 1985; Ord. 2808, Sec. 2, 1984; Ord. 2601, Sec. 1(part), 1981; Ord. 2542, Sec. 11(part), 1980)
No person may engage in the business of being a pawnbroker or secondhand dealer without securing a license as required by this Chapter.(2)No license is required for motor vehicle dealers licensed under Chapter 46.70 RCW, motor vehicle wreckers and hulk haulers licensed under Chapter 46.79 or 46.80 RCW, persons giving an allowance for the trade-in or exchange of secondhand property on the purcha...
Pawnbrokers
Kennewick requires pawnbrokers and secondhand dealers to hold a Class II business license, report transactions to police daily, and hold purchased goods 30 days before resale.
Kennewick Pawnbroker and Secondhand Dealer License
Significant RestrictionsKennewick Municipal Code § 6.17.040 (Ord. 5210, Sec. 1, 2007; Ord. 3321, Sec. 2, 1991; Ord. 2908, Sec. 1(part), 1985; Ord. 2808, Sec. 2, 1984; Ord. 2601, Sec. 1(part), 1981; Ord. 2542, Sec. 11(part), 1980)
No person may engage in the business of being a pawnbroker or secondhand dealer without securing a license as required by this Chapter. No license is required for motor vehicle dealers licensed under Chapter 46.70 RCW, motor vehicle wreckers and hulk haulers licensed under Chapter 46.79 or 46.80 RCW, persons giving an allowance for the trade-in or exchange of secondhand property on the purchase...
Auto Repair on Residential Property
Kennewick's home occupation permit, which otherwise lets residents run a small business out of any residential unit, expressly excludes automobile repair and body shop work. KMC 18.42.090(1)(n) means a commercial auto repair operation cannot be licensed as a home occupation anywhere in the city, regardless of zoning district.
Kennewick Bars Auto Repair as Home Business
Significant RestrictionsKennewick Municipal Code § 18.42.090(1)(n) (Ord. 5180 Sec. 1, 2007)
Under this Section the Planning Director may approve a home occupation for any residential unit, regardless of zoning designation. ... (n)A home occupation shall not include automobile repair, body shop work, dog kennels, dog boarding, nor construction-related heavy equipment or vehicles.
Towing Companies
Kennewick police direct DUI and suspended-license impounds; owners redeem vehicles from the towing agency after paying an administrative fee plus towing and storage costs.
Kennewick Vehicle Impound and Towing
Some RestrictionsKennewick Municipal Code § 11.90.635 (Ord. 25-6127, Sec. 1, 2025; Ord. 5477, Sec. 10, 2012; Ord. 4081, Sec. 1, 2002; Ord. 3908, Sec. 1, 1999; Ord. 3831, Sec. 1, 1998)
Upon payment of an administrative fee set by City Council located in the Kennewick Master Fee Schedule, the officer shall issue an order releasing the impounded vehicle. The legal owner or person authorized to redeem the vehicle must present the order releasing the impounded vehicle to the towing agency.
Looking for Benton County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Kennewick city rules.
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