Start, operate, or grow a business in Paris.
Resources for businesses and economic development in the City of Paris.
Popular Business Tasks
Start a businessEvery business in the City needs an annual occupational license before it opens.Go
Find licenses & permitsBusiness license, ABC, special event, vendor, and other applications.Go
Connect utilitiesStart electric, water, and sewer service with Paris Combined Utilities.Go
Review zoning & permitsZoning map, building permits, and Planning & Zoning applications.Go
Find tax informationPayroll tax, net profit license fee, and business tax forms.Go
Contact economic developmentIndustrial park property, incentives, and workforce resources.Visit site (outside website, opens in a new tab)
- Starting a business
- Existing businesses
- Developers & investors
- Downtown businesses
- Contractors & property owners
- Who to call
Business Resources
Starting a Business
- Business Licenses & TaxesOccupational license ($75 a year) and the taxes businesses file with the City.
- Business License Application (PDF)Annual license application, 2025.
- Start utility serviceNew service application for electric, water, and sewer.
- Permits & MapsBuilding permits, zoning map, and Planning & Zoning applications.
Existing Businesses
- Business tax formsPayroll tax (1.5%), net profit license fee returns, and extensions.
- Property TaxCity property tax rates, payment options, and bill search.
- Bid OpportunitiesCurrent City bids. Email purchasing@paris.ky.gov to get bid alerts.
- Special event & vendor permitsSpecial events, itinerant merchants, peddlers, and fireworks sales.
Developers & Investors
- Paris-Bourbon County Economic Development AuthorityIndustrial park property, business incentives, and workforce resources. (outside website, opens in a new tab)
- Transfer Station RelocationRedevelopment of the former transfer station site: roadmap, film, and project status.
- Planning & Zoning ApplicationsPlat approval, rezoning, and commercial development plan review. (outside website, opens in a new tab)
- Utility & zoning mapsZoning, electric, water, and sewer service area maps.
Downtown Businesses
- PKY Downtown Entertainment DistrictHow the district works. It covers Main Street between 8th Street and Bank Row Street.
- Paris-Bourbon County Chamber of CommerceMember business directory and business programs. (outside website, opens in a new tab)
- Paris-Bourbon County Tourism CommissionVisitor information, events, and attractions. (outside website, opens in a new tab)
- Film & EntertainmentGuidelines and applications for filming in Paris-Bourbon County.
Contractors & Property Owners
- Contractor requirementsGeneral contractors must give the City Clerk a list of subcontractors and their work.
- Building Permit ApplicationApply online with the Joint Planning Commission. (outside website, opens in a new tab)
- Street cut or dig permitPermit and bond for work in a public street or right-of-way.
- Before you digContact Kentucky 811 before any digging.
Economic Development Partners
The City of Paris works with these organizations on economic development, tourism, and planning.
Economic Development AuthorityFor companies locating or expanding in Bourbon County: industrial park property, business incentives, and workforce resources.Visit site (outside website, opens in a new tab)
Chamber of CommerceMember business directory and programs promoting the county's economic, cultural, social, and educational life.Visit site (outside website, opens in a new tab)
Tourism CommissionVisitor information, events, and attractions across Paris and Bourbon County.Visit site (outside website, opens in a new tab)
Joint Planning OfficePlanning, zoning, and code enforcement for Paris and Bourbon County.Visit site (outside website, opens in a new tab)
Business Assistance: Who to Call First
Licenses & business taxes
Tax & Licensing Office, City Hall, 525 High Street. Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Call (859) 987-3653Zoning & building permits
Paris-Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission (Planning & Zoning).
Call (859) 987-2150Locating or expanding a company
Paris-Bourbon County Economic Development Authority
Gordon E. Wilson, Executive Director