- Can I apply over the Internet?
Not at this time, but you can download a business license application form and return it us at City Hall, 1333 NW Eastman Parkway in Gresham, OR 97030. We will need your signed application form along with payment in order to process the business license.
top- Can I schedule an appointment?
Although the Utility Billing office tries to help the customer in the best way possible, there are times when we cannot accommodate customer requests. Sometimes we cannot schedule repairs or readings when requested because the schedules for these services are already filled. It is difficult to schedule short time periods for repairs because the service workers may have unforeseen problems at an earlier service call.
top- Do I need a business license if I work out of my home?
Yes. Businesses operated from the home require a business license and must comply with the City's Type I Home Occupation Permit requirements. Types of home-based businesses and the manner in which they may operate are regulated by City code.
top- Do I need a D.B.A. or Fictitious Business Name?
If your business name is anything other than your surname, your business is required to be registered with the state. Should you accidentally "infringe" upon another business name you may face legal action. Registering is done through the Oregon Secretary of State, Corporate Division.
top- How are sewer charges determined?
Sewer charges for residential single-family homes are at a flat rate of $46.32 per two-month billing period, effective July 1, 2008. These charges are for the treatment of water that drains into the sanitary sewer system and for taking care of the sewer system.
Commercial properties and multi-family residential accounts are billed based on their water usage in the winter months, and on the type of sewer that is entering the treatment system (Low Strength, Medium Strength, or High Strength) for sewer services.
top- How can I get information about Solid Waste (garbage) services?
Call the Solid Waste and Recycling Division at 503-618-2623 for information about garbage pick-up or recycling.
top- How can I tell if I have any water leaks?
Most water meters have a leak indicator on the face of the dial. It is a triangular or diamond-shaped indicator that revolves 354 times for every gallon of water that passes through the meter.
To check for leaks, look at the indicator when no one is drawing water. It should not be moving. If it is moving, check every plumbing fixture at the property, i.e., toilet, sink, outside sprinkler, washer, etc. Shut off the valves that supply each fixture, one by one, and check the indicator after each shutoff. When closing a valve stops the indicator from moving, or slows its movement, you have found the location of a leak. But watch out, there may be more than one leak.
Be sure to check toilets at the property. Toilet leaks are the most common and are hard to see or hear. Put food coloring in the toilet tank and wait 15 minutes. Do not flush the toilet during this time. If the coloring appears in the toilet bowl, there is a toilet leak. Also, if you hear the toilet refilling and no one has used it, there is a leak.
A major toilet leak can waste 800 cubic feet of water a day and can cost hundreds of dollars.
Look for leaky faucets. A fast drip from a faucet could waste around 265 gallons a day. Repair leaky faucets and toilets promptly -- do it yourself or call a plumber, as these leaks cost money. Once the leak is repaired, check the leak indicator again and make sure all leaks have been stopped.
top- How do I get a business license?
You can either download a home occupation application or commercial license application form and return it us at City Hall, 1333 NW Eastman Parkway in Gresham, OR 97030 or stop by City Hall and complete an application between 8:30am-5:00pm Monday thru Friday. We will need your signed application form along with payment in order to process the business license. Please call 503-618-2370 if your have any questions regarding these forms.
top- How long is this license good for?
The business license is valid for one year and is billed on the first of the month from the month the application was received. It must be renewed annually.
top- How long will it take to get my business license?
The actual process to obtain the business license takes only a few days on home occupations. Commercial businesses can take as long as 4 weeks to process and approve. Upon approval, the business license will be mailed to the mailing address listed on the application.
top- I conduct business in several cities. Can I get just one license to do business in ALL of them?
Only if you’re a business in the construction trade or landscape construction, located OUTSIDE Gresham’s city limits, required to have a CCB (Contractors Construction Board) license and earn $250,000 or less in gross receipts per year per jurisdiction. This is a single license offered in 20 cities (excluding Portland) in the metropolitan area by Metro Regional Center for $135.
If your business is not in the construction/landscaping trade, each city you conduct business in will most likely require a city business license. Each city has its own business license requirements, fees and structure. Check with the appropriate city or county for their rules and regulations on licensing.
top- I just purchased this business. Can I use the business license from the previous owner?
No. A business license must be transferred or assigned. As a new owner, you need to apply for a business license in your name.
top- My business is located in Gresham. Why is the City of Portland billing me for a business license?
The City of Portland bills for the Multnomah County Business Income Tax. This is often mistaken as a City of Portland business license. For more information, please call 503-823-5157.
top- My business is non-profit. Do I still need to apply for a license?
Yes. The license fee is waived for non-profit businesses. However, proof of non-profit status is required (for example: 501(3)(c)). Please note: for commercial non-profit businesses, employee and review fees are not waived.
top- What do I need to do if I am moving or transferring service?
Call the Utility Billing office customer service number, 503-618-2373, with the following information:
- Your account number
- Current and/or new meter reading
- Phone number and the date the phone will be disconnected
- Forwarding address
- New bill payer's name
- What if I close or sell the business?
Business licenses are NOT automatically canceled. We need to hear from you. You may send written notification, call or come in. Please be prepared to provide the date the business closed or sold and the name of the new owner, if applicable.
top- What if I have more than one business or more than one location?
If you own more than one business, a separate business license is required for each type of business and for each location.
top- What if I move the location of the business?
Any time that the location of a business changes, the new information must be supplied to the city of Gresham. If your commercial business moves to a new location, a new application must be submitted along with a $90.00 review fee, a fee required for all commercial businesses.
top- What is a business license?
A business license is license showing that you have paid your annual fee for doing business within the incorporated area of the City of Gresham (City). Gresham Revised Code requires that you obtain a license when you conduct any business activity within the City even if your business is located OUTSIDE the city limits or you have a business license from another city. The business tax receipt is evidence only that your fee has been paid. Other permits may be required to open your business.
top- What is a unit of water?
Water usage is measured by consumption units. One consumption unit is the same as 748.5 gallons or 100 cubic feet. A container five feet long by five feet wide and four feet high holds one consumption unit.
top- Who is required to have a license?
Any person who conducts business in the City or is based in the City must obtain a business license on or before the date the business commences. Conducting business in the City without a license can result in penalties, violation notices, citations, and finally, court action.
top- Why does the water bill stay with the property when the property is sold?
In the City of Gresham, as well as with many cities in the state and across the nation, unpaid amounts owed by a previous bill payer at a service address (lien balance) remain with the service address account, and the current owner of that property is responsible for those charges. This is in accordance with state and city laws.
Determining who was responsible for making sure the bill was paid before the sale of the property may be difficult. Usually the realtor, buyer, or seller contacts the utility billing office with information about a sale. The office then reads the meter and sends a final bill to the occupant. The previous owner pays the bill, or it is negotiated at the closing. The title insurance company involved with the sale might also be contacted, as they sometimes check with utilities to make sure no outstanding debts are attached to the property. If there is a dispute, the new owner may be able to take legal action against the previous owner for non-payment.
While you are ultimately responsible for trying to resolve the situation, don't worry about having your water service turned off because of the former owner's outstanding debt. However, service can be discontinued if you fail to pay your portion of the bill. If you cannot pay the delinquent balance all at once, an installment agreement can be set up while you try to resolve the situation.
How can I reduce my bill?
Remember that water is a valuable resource that shouldn't be wasted. Your water is clean, safe, and convenient; but you have to pay for its treatment and the system to deliver it to you. By conserving water in your home, you also save energy needed to heat it or run appliances.
Bathrooms:
- Two-thirds of the water used in an average home is used in the bathroom, and a lot of it goes into the sewer. From two to seven gallons of water are used every time a toilet is flushed. Do not use the toilet to flush items that can go in a wastebasket or garbage can. Be aware of toilet leaks.
- You may have been advised to take showers rather than baths to conserve water. If you take a long shower, however, you may use more water than if you took a bath. Long, hot showers not only waste water but also energy to heat the water. Consider using reduced-flow devices for showerheads.
- Don't leave the water running while you shave or brush your teeth. You are just running clean water down the drain.
Kitchens:
- Be sure the dishwasher is fully loaded before running it. Try not rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
- If you wash dishes by hand, do not let the water run while washing or rinsing. Don't let the water run while cleaning vegetables or other foods. Use a large pan or dish for rinsing.
- Store drinking water in the refrigerator rather than letting it run until it's cold.
Laundry:
- Be sure to have full loads, or use the automatic controls for smaller loads.
- Use cold water for rinsing.
Outdoors:
- Don't water on a fixed schedule, or if rain is forecast. Water grass or plants only if they show signs of needing it. Water during the coolest part of the day to avoid excess evaporation, and let the water sink in slowly. Water applied too fast runs off into storm sewers.
- When washing the car, use a bucket of water for washing, and use the hose only for rinsing.
Plumbing:
- Install shutoff valves for appliances and fixtures in case a pipe blows out. Most importantly, check for a main shutoff valve that turns off water to the whole house, and make sure that it works.
top- Why is my consumption so high?
Consumption may be high for many reasons. Maybe more people living in the household. During the summer, water consumption may be higher because you are watering the lawn or garden, or an outside hose may have been left on. In commercial situations, you may have water-cooled air conditioning, or your business may have increased or changed adding to water usage. Often, consumption may be high because of leaky plumbing.
Customers often think the meter is not working right, causing high readings. To test the accuracy of your meter, use the following procedure:
Run water until the test dial (the red sweep hand located on the face of the meter) points to zero. The test hand will be straight up in the 12 o'clock position when it is on zero. Fill a one-gallon container with water. Check the position of the red test dial. It should measure .1333 cubic feet. (See illustration of meter face below.)
top- Will the City notify me when it is time to renew my license?
Yes, approximately two weeks prior to your expiration date. However, it is your responsibility to renew the business license on time even if the courtesy reminder notice is not received. Penalties are assessed for delinquent accounts, regardless of whether or not you receive a renewal notice.
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