Metro

503-797-1700
503-797-1804 TDD
503-797-1797 fax
contractor

Regional contractor's business license

Doing business    Regional contractor's business license

Contractors and landscapers can buy a single license from Metro to construct, alter and repair structures in 20 cities.

If you qualify, there are four ways to apply for a license:

  1. use your credit card and apply online
  2. complete and mail the PDF application form (download below)
  3. call Metro at 503-797-1620 and request an application
  4. obtain an application at most city permit counters

Instead of getting separate business licenses, you can get a single license from Metro to construct, alter and repair structures in 20 cities that have licensing requirements in the metropolitan area. The license covers all construction trades, both commercial and residential, as well as all landscape contractors.

Participating cities

These cities will honor a Metro license: Beaverton, Cornelius, Durham, Fairview, Forest Grove, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, King City, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood, Tigard, Troutdale, Tualatin, West Linn, Wilsonville and Wood Village. The city of Portland is not included at this time.

The Metro license is optional, but it may cost less than getting a number of licenses from individual cities.

To qualify for a Metro license, you must:

  • be licensed with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board or licensed with the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board
    Visit the Oregon Construction Contractors Board site
    Visit the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board site
  • have a corresponding city license if your principal place of business is located in any of the 20 cities honoring the Metro license
  • earn $250,000 or less in gross receipts per year per city honoring the Metro license or hold a city license for any city listed in which that dollar limit is exceeded.

The nonrefundable fee for the license is $135.

Portland exception

Portland does not participate in the Metro contractor's business license program. The Portland Bureau of Licenses has information about doing business in Portland and Portland Online provides links to business-related information and services available online from Portland area public agencies.
Visit the Portland Bureau of Licenses site
Visit the Portland Online business portal

Need assistance?

Metro Contractor Business License Program
503-797-1620 | 503-797-1791 fax

Files and related materials

Contractor's Business License application form (PDF)

Make a copy of your completed application for your records. Sign the application and send it with the $135 nonrefundable fee to Metro, attn. CBL program, 600 NE Grand Ave., Portland, OR 97232.

As long as you meet all of the licensing requirements, the copy of the completed application will serve as your temporary license until you receive the real license about two weeks later.

Files that are downloadable from this page

To view PDF files, download free Adobe Reader. To translate PDF files into text to assist visually-impaired users, visit Access.Adobe.com.

Licencia de negocios para contratistas

La licencia de negocios de Metro para contratistas de la construcción y paisajistas (diseño de jardines) es aceptada en 20 ciudades.

Información en español

Did you know?

If you generate or collect construction and demolition waste in the region, it must be taken to a Metro designated facility, or you need a non-system license.

Featured item

Metro offers practical tools to help contractors, architects and developers save money, earn green building credits and keep building materials out of the landfill.

Did you know?

MetroPaint can
MetroPaint is a high quality, affordable, 100 percent recycled latex paint produced in Portland, Oregon, since 1992. Metro sells recycled latex paint in 5-gallon pails and 1-gallon cans.

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Contact feedback@oregonmetro.gov with questions regarding this site.

Metro
600 NE Grand Ave.
Portland, OR 97232-2736
503-797-1700
503-797-1804 TDD
503-797-1797 fax