Business Life

Operating a business in Cheney
The City of Cheney has no business and occupation taxes,  and has very affordable and competitive utility costs. Currently over 200 business are operating in Cheney from the very small entrepreneur to the largest employer of over 2000 employees (EWU). 

A business license is required for all businesses operating in Cheney.  Download an application form here, and return it to the Office of the City Clerk, 609 2nd Street, Cheney, WA  99004.  For additional information, please contact the Community Development Department at 498-9240.

Home-based businesses are allowed in residential zones, but not to the point where the business is more prominent than the residence.  If you are thinking about establishing a home-based business (home occupation), an overview of the zoning requirements is available here.

Technology for business
The City of Cheney is poised to become more technology based as an economy due to the City’s development of a fiber optic network and the near future plans for greater expansion of the network. The fiber optic network is planned to be distributed to all businesses in Cheney to provide high speed access to the internet for the competitive business needs of today.

Overview of taxes, utility, power, and permits
The property taxes in the City of Cheney are very competitive with the 2005 levy rate amount to be $13.75 per thousand assessed value.

• Utility rates are some of the most affordable with the City of Cheney. 
• Electrical power is currently at $.05 per kilowatt hour with water and sewer rates continually less than the statewide average.
• Building permit costs and planning processes are standard, but the City boasts of a very quick turn around for permits and special attention for development needs.

Property development
There is currently ample business property to develop in our light industrial zones and general commercial zones. Public infrastructure is generally accessible to all developable property with a number of lots ready for construction on a build to suit basis.

• The City of Cheney is 15 minutes away from the Spokane International Airport.
• There is also access to two main rail lines (BNSF and Union Pacific) within the city limits for rail freight needs.

Available workforce and assistance
New business ventures can expect an available workforce that is willing and easily trained to move into just about any type of new job. There is also the immediate availability of college students for semi-skilled part-time work and temporary work needs.

The City of Cheney is well known for its positive approach to helping new and existing businesses with any regulatory issues and providing assistance through the land use planning processes.

Summary
The growth in Eastern Washington University’s enrollment, coupled with the overall growth of the community, is fueling considerable interest in Cheney’s commercial retail opportunities.

Overall, the City of Cheney is very accommodating to new business proposals and the expansion of existing business.