Opening a Business in Kirkwood

Any person who engages in any business, occupation, pursuit, profession, calling, avocation or trade within the City limits of Kirkwood is required to have a business license, unless specifically exempted by law. The requirements to obtain a business license vary depending on the type and location of the business. Please review the business license ordinance (Chapter 13) to determine if additional information is required for your business.

For questions about obtaining a business license, contact the following staff:

Finance Department Office Manager
Email: businesslicenses@kirkwoodmo.org
Phone: 314-984-6944
Fax: 314-984-6931
City Hall – Finance Department, 139 S. Kirkwood Road
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Business Fees

A list of most business fees can be found in the Flat-Fee Business Schedule on this website. Please see the City of Kirkwood’s Code of Ordinances, Section 13-39, for additional information about fees. If a particular type of business is not listed on the schedule, the business fee will be calculated based on gross receipts from the previous year. Business fees that are calculated on the basis of gross receipts are charged $1.00 per $1,000 in gross receipts, with a minimum fee of $35.00. Exception: If the business is located within the Downtown Kirkwood Special Business District (SBD), the fee is $1.50 per $1,000 in gross receipts.

For questions about this process, please do not hesitate to contact the City's Business License Collector at 314-984-6944.