Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Portland, OR
Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .
Portland / Multnomah County Requirements
3 requirementsCity of Portland Business License
Issued by the City of Portland Revenue Division, this license is required for all businesses operating within Portland city limits. The fee is based on a base rate plus a percentage of gross revenue. Must be renewed annually.
Certificate of Occupancy
Issued by the Portland Bureau of Development Services (BDS), a Certificate of Occupancy is required when opening a salon in a commercial space, doing tenant improvements, or changing the use of a building. BDS reviews plans for zoning compliance, ADA accessibility, and building code requirements.
Multnomah County Environmental Health Salon Inspection
Multnomah County Environmental Health conducts inspections of cosmetology facilities to ensure compliance with sanitation standards for hair salons, including proper ventilation, sanitizing procedures, and equipment standards.
Oregon State Requirements
4 requirementsOregon Secretary of State Business Registration
All formal business entities operating in Oregon must register with the Oregon Secretary of State. An LLC is the most common structure for salon owners, providing personal liability protection at a filing cost of approximately $100.
Oregon Health Licensing Office (OHLA) Salon License
The Oregon Health Licensing Office, under the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS), issues licenses to cosmetology establishments. All salons must be licensed as a facility, separate from individual cosmetologist licenses. Application includes facility inspection.
Individual Cosmetologist Licenses (OHLA)
All cosmetologists, hair designers, estheticians, and nail technicians working in Oregon must hold individual licenses issued by the Oregon Health Licensing Office (OHLA). Licenses require completion of accredited training and passing state exams.
Oregon Department of Revenue Business Tax Registration
All businesses in Oregon must register with the Oregon Department of Revenue. Oregon has no sales tax, so no sales tax permit is required for salon services.
Federal Requirements
1 requirementEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.