Gresham, Oregon, located just east of Portland, experiences a distinct Pacific Northwest holiday season with cold, often rainy weather and occasional snow. The city has a population of roughly 115,000 and a strong sense of community, with neighborhoods like the Historic Downtown, Kelly Creek, and East Hill displaying festive decorations each year. The holiday lighting market in Gresham is competitive but still offers significant opportunities for a new business due to the growing number of homeowners who prefer professional installation over climbing ladders in wet conditions. Many houses in Gresham are older bungalows or newer subdivisions with two-story facades, creating consistent demand for gutter-mounted lights and roofline installations. The market typically operates from late October (for installations) through early January (for takedowns). Revenue potential is strong: a well-run seasonal business can gross $20,000 to $50,000 in a single season, depending on the number of crew members and service packages offered. Unlike larger cities, Gresham still has gaps in service coverage, especially for commercial properties and large estate homes in the Damascus and Pleasant Valley areas nearby. Starting early with a solid plan around August and September is critical to capture early bird customers.
You must register your business with the Oregon Secretary of State. A sole proprietorship is simplest, but an LLC offers liability protection and is recommended for a holiday lighting business. Register online through the Business Registry Division. The fee is $100 for an LLC (plus a $50 name reservation if desired). You will also need to obtain a Business License from the City of Gresham. Contact the Gresham Business Services Division at 503-618-2645 or visit their website to apply. The cost for a general business license in Gresham is typically around $100 to $150 per year.
Holiday lighting installation is generally considered a residential service that may not require a CCB license because it is not structural electrical work. However, if you are permanently hardwiring lights or installing outlets, you would need an electrical license. For temporary, plug-in installations (which is the majority of holiday lighting), the Oregon CCB does not typically require a license. To be safe, consult the CCB directly (503-378-4621) or a local business attorney. Some municipalities may still require a CCB registration for any exterior work that involves ladders or heights. A safer route is to obtain a limited contractor registration if you plan to work on commercial properties.
You must carry general liability insurance (minimum $1 million aggregate) to protect against property damage or injury. Oregon requires workers’ compensation insurance if you have any employees. As a sole proprietor without employees, you can waive workers’ comp, but you will still need liability coverage. Obtain quotes from insurers who understand seasonal businesses; annual policies can be affordable if you show low risk.
The City of Gresham does not require a special holiday lighting permit for residential installs. However, if you plan to string lights across public streets or use utility poles, you need a right-of-way permit from the City Public Works Department. For most residential driveways and sidewalks, no permit is needed. Always confirm with the city if you are working on commercial storefronts that may have HOA or sign restrictions.
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