Business Licensing & Operations in Puyallup, WA (2026)
5 verified business licensing & operations rules for Puyallup, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Puyallup requires a separate adult cabaret license before offering live adult entertainment on top of a general business license, and its zoning code confines adult uses to the limited manufacturing zone, 600 feet from residential zones, schools, day cares, churches, parks and each other.
Puyallup Adult Cabaret License & Spacing
Heavy RestrictionsPuyallup Municipal Code §§ 5.50.020(1), 5.54.030(1)(a),(f)
It is unlawful for any person to conduct, manage or operate an adult cabaret unless such person is the holder of a valid and subsisting license from the city to do so, obtained in the manner provided in this chapter, and which is in addition to a general business license that may be required under Chapter 5.04 PMC. ... Adult uses, as defined in this chapter, are expressly prohibited in all zone...
Secondhand Dealers
Puyallup secondhand dealers, defined as anyone buying or selling used personal property or scrap metal, must hold bought items 30 days before resale and are covered by the same recordkeeping and police-reporting duties as pawnbrokers under PMC Chapter 5.32, Article IV.
Puyallup Secondhand Dealer Regulations
Some RestrictionsPuyallup Municipal Code §§ 5.32.170(2)-(3), 5.32.210
"Secondhand dealer" means every person engaged in whole or in part in the business of buying or selling secondhand personal property, metal junk or melted metals. " ... Secondhand property" means any item of personal property offered for sale which is not new, including metals in any form, except postage stamps, coins that are legal tender, bullion in the form of fabricated, hallmarked bars, us...
Pawnbrokers
Puyallup pawnbrokers must keep a detailed transaction record book, report every transaction to the chief of police by noon the next day, hold pledged property 30 days, and follow the state interest rate cap under PMC Chapter 5.32, Article IV.
Puyallup Pawnbroker Recordkeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsPuyallup Municipal Code §§ 5.32.170(1), 5.32.190, 5.32.220
"Pawnbroker" means every person engaged, in whole or in part, in the business of loaning money on the security of pledges, deposits or conditional sales of personal property. ... Such record, and all goods received, shall at all times during the ordinary hours of business be open to the inspection of the city attorney or of any police officer. ... RCW 19.60.060 as existing on the date of the or...
Auto Repair on Residential Property
Puyallup Municipal Code § 20.75.012(1) flatly bars automobile repair, body work, upholstering and similar automobile-related activity from qualifying as a home occupation anywhere in the city. There is no permit, waiver or size threshold that allows a residential property to run a car repair or bodywork business under Chapter 20.75.
Puyallup Bans Home Auto Repair Businesses
Heavy RestrictionsPuyallup Municipal Code § 20.75.012(1)
No home occupation shall involve automobile repair, body work, upholstering or similar automobile-related activity; and
Towing Companies
Any wrecker or towing operator doing business in Puyallup needs an annual $50.00 towing license from the director of finance on top of a general business license, backed by a $10,000 bond approved by the finance director and city attorney, under PMC § 5.80.020. Chapter 5.80 also sets the rules for police-ordered impounds and vehicle redemption.
Puyallup Towing Company Licensing
Some RestrictionsPuyallup Municipal Code § 5.80.020
The city shall grant a towing license to a qualified applicant who has filed the application and information required by the director of finance and who has otherwise complied with this chapter upon the payment by the applicant of an annual license fee and the posting with the city of a good and sufficient bond which has been approved by the director of finance as to sufficiency and as to the f...
Looking for Pierce County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Puyallup city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Pierce County →