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Milton council updates business-license rules, adds inspection authority; 5-1 vote
Summary
On Sept. 2, 2025, the Milton City Council adopted Ordinance 2120-25 amending Milton Municipal Code chapter 5.04 to align with a state uniform model and add inspection and enforcement tools; the vote was 5-1 after debate over cross-references and door-to-door solicitation protections.
MILTON, Wash. — The Milton City Council on Tuesday adopted Ordinance 2120-25, amending Milton Municipal Code chapter 5.04 to align local business-licensing thresholds with a state model and to expand enforcement tools, including a limited right-of-entry for inspections and a penalty alternative to misdemeanor prosecution.
The ordinance implements changes staff said are required by Washington state law and reflects an increase in the uniform-model exemption threshold for out-of-city businesses from $2,000 to $4,000. Interim Director Robec told the council the ordinance also adds a section (5.04.0075) on inspection right-of-entry that was narrowed after a study-session review and adds a criminal-penalty alternative in 5.04.022.
Why it matters: City officials said the updates clarify which out-of-city vendors must obtain a Milton business endorsement, strengthen the city’s ability to inspect licensed business areas, and give enforcement staff additional options short of misdemeanor charges.
During council discussion, members raised whether the specific protections against door-to-door predatory sales and the requirement that transient merchants carry a license on their person are prominent enough in the sections being amended. Council member Whelan repeatedly asked for clearer cross-references to the peddlers and transient merchants provisions elsewhere in chapter 5 (peddlers are covered under a separate section). Interim Director Robec and other staff pointed out that the possession-and-posting requirement for peddlers is already in the code and that this ordinance amends only three limited subsections of chapter 5.04.
Public comment connected to the ordinance. Susan Johnson of Milton told the council she has reported “predatory salesmen” who target seniors and asked for better public notice about permits and endorsements; she also said residents have complained about apparent illegal home-occupation businesses involving vehicle repair in residential areas. Johnson said she had repeatedly asked solicitors to show endorsements and sometimes was told the permits were not Milton endorsements.
Council member Seeder moved to adopt Ordinance 2120-25; Council member Strader seconded. Council member Whelan said he could not support the measure because it does not include an explicit in-text reference to the separate peddlers/transient-merchant section that requires solicitors to carry licenses, and he said the omission would make it harder for residents to find protections. The motion passed 5-1.
What was decided: Ordinance 2120-25 was adopted (vote: 5-1). Council member Whelan recorded his opposition; the motion was moved by Council member Seeder and seconded by Council member Strader.
Discussion versus decision: Council debate focused on code clarity and where peddler/transient-merchant requirements are located in the municipal code. The ordinance itself amends specific subsections of chapter 5.04; it does not change the separate chapter provisions governing peddlers and transient merchants.
Next steps and context: Staff said the ordinance reflects changes in the state’s uniform model and that planning staff previously presented the draft at an Aug. 11 study session. Council members asked staff to consider clearer cross-references or public-facing guidance to help residents find rules on solicitors and transient merchants.
