Business Licensing & Operations in Lacey, WA (2026)
5 verified business licensing & operations rules for Lacey, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
In the City of Lacey, Washington, adult bookstores, novelty stores and video stores are limited to the General Commercial and Light Industrial zones, while adult arcades and live entertainment centers are limited to Light Industrial. Spacing runs three hundred thirty feet or six hundred sixty feet depending on the use. Each business also needs a Lacey license.
Lacey WA Adult Business Licensing and Spacing Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLacey Municipal Code § 16.67.030
A. Adult entertainment facilities falling under the definitions of adult bookstores, adult novelty stores, adult video stores or other similar adult uses may be permitted in the following zones subject to the standards and requirements of LMC 16.67.040 and spacing requirements identified below: 1. Land use zones permitted: a. General Commercial; and b. Light Industrial. 2. Spacing and buffering...
Massage Establishments
In the City of Lacey, Washington, operating a massage or reflexology business without a current, unrevoked Lacey business license is a misdemeanor. The application fee is $50.00, a license lasts one year, and the business must stay closed from 12:00 a.m. (midnight) to 8:00 a.m. Every practitioner also needs a Washington State license or certificate.
Lacey WA Massage and Reflexology Business License
Significant RestrictionsLacey Municipal Code § 5.38.020
Any person who owns, manages, directs, or operates a massage business or reflexology business for which a current, unrevoked massage business or reflexology business license has not been issued pursuant to this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. ... A. For purposes of this chapter, whether a person is an owner, director, manager, or other person in charge of a massage business or reflexo...
Pawnbrokers
In the City of Lacey, Washington, no one can operate as a pawnbroker or secondhand dealer without a special license from the finance department. The license covers the current calendar year only, cannot be transferred, and follows a police background review reported within thirty days. Dealers in serial-numbered goods report transactions to the chief of police every day.
Lacey WA Pawnbroker and Secondhand Dealer License
Significant RestrictionsLacey Municipal Code § 5.32.020
No person shall engage in any of the businesses defined in Section 5.32.010 hereof, without procuring a special license therefor. The yearly license fees for such businesses shall be established by resolution of the city council. Each license shall be issued for the current calendar year only, the license fee may be prorated for those quarters remaining. Licenses issued in accordance with this ...
Auto Repair on Residential Property
In the City of Lacey, Washington, vehicle repair, alteration, or rebuilding is not permitted as a home occupation under Lacey Municipal Code § 16.69.030(D). The rule carries no exception and no permit alternative. Any home occupation must also register as a business under Chapter 5.12 LMC and stay within the floor area caps of § 16.69.030(A).
Lacey Home Vehicle Repair Ban Under Home Occupation Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLacey Municipal Code § 16.69.030
B. Any occupation which may produce waste products of a quality or quantity not normally associated with residential use shall not qualify as a home occupation. C. Home occupations shall comply with all other local, state, or federal regulations pertinent to the activity pursued, and the requirements or permission granted or implied by this chapter shall not be construed as an exemption from su...
Towing Companies
In the City of Lacey, Washington, a towing operator needs a towing operator's base license plus a separate tow truck license for every wrecker, both issued by the finance department. All licenses expire December 31st, and any towed vehicle valued at fifty dollars or more needs locked, closed, covered storage.
Lacey WA Tow Operator and Tow Truck Licensing
Significant RestrictionsLacey Municipal Code § 5.28.020
A. No operator shall engage in business within the city or offer such service therein without first applying for and obtaining from the city’s finance department a “towing operator’s base license” and a “tow truck license” for each wrecker or towing truck operated by such operator. The annual fee for such licenses shall be established by resolution of the city council; provided that the expirat...
Looking for Thurston County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lacey city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Thurston County →