City of Livingston— Business & Contractor Licensing & Insurance Requirements

Licensing & Insurance Requirements in Livingston
 

Who Must Apply for a Business License?

If you conduct business or provide services within the City of Livingston limits (whether from a fixed address, a home office, or in the field), you are required to obtain a City Business License from the City Finance Office. This includes:

• All contractors and subcontractors- even if you are based outside the city or traveling here from another area.
• All arborists, tree pruning, removal, health service providers, and landscaping contractors
• All home-based businesses
• All vendors, sidewalk sales, and mobile service providers
• Retail and food service businesses
• Any operation accessible to the public, employees, or members

Additionally, you must permit city staff to inspect your premises as needed to confirm safety and compliance.
 

City's Insurance & Coverage Requirements:

Before you start work, you must provide proof of:

• Commercial General Liability Insurance (at limits acceptable to the City, with City named as a Certificate Holder)
• Automobile Liability Insurance (if using vehicles in business)
• Contractor’s or Professional Liability Insurance (as required by the nature of your work)
• Clients and the City may require that you list the City or property owner as an additional insured on your policy and provide a valid Certificate of Insurance (COI).

*Important: Ensure your insurance and bond coverage meet city requirements before starting any work to avoid penalties.
 

ICEC (Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate) Note:

In Montana, under certain conditions, contractors can obtain an ICEC from the state. This exempts them from the state workers’ compensation requirement (for work done under the ICEC).  However, ICEC does not exempt you from liability insurance obligations;  you must still maintain liability coverage throughout the duration of your license. By accepting an ICEC, you waive your rights to any workers’ compensation benefits for that work. ICEC is available only for individuals or businesses that satisfy state criteria (e.g., operating independently, not under the direction of a hiring agent).

For contractors with employees, ICEC does not relieve the employer’s obligation to carry workers’ compensation coverage for employees.