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Business Permits & Licenses

This database contains the most typical Baltimore City permits and licenses that a business may require. Other city, state or federal permits or licenses may also be required. For state and federal permits and licenses, visit the Maryland Business License Information System. For more information, please contact us.

 

Permit Name Description Agency Contact Application More Info
Alarm Registration The Baltimore City Code, Police Ordinances Article 19, Subtitle 8, requires an alarm system contractor, monitor and user to register with the Police Commissioner annually. Baltimore Housing manages the False Alarm Reduction Program on behalf of the Baltimore Police Department. Housing Emailproperty_registration@baltimorecity.gov Application for Alarm Registration More Info not available
Amendment/Extension Permit Application For amending or extending a construction permit. Housing EmailDHCD_Permits@baltimorecity.gov Application for Amendment/Extension Permit Application More Info not available
Amusement Device Registration This license is required for any establishment that wants to operate amusement device games on its premises. Finance EmailCOBBusinessLicense@baltimorecity.gov Application for Amusement Device Registration More Info not available
Application for Minor Privilege Guidelines on what can and cannot be placed outdoors within the public right of way whether it be of a temporary nature such as awnings, overhead signs, outdoor seating, lighting, etc., or of a more permanent nature such as steps, bay windows, storefronts, permanent dumpsters, etc.. General Services Emailjoe.kostow@baltimorecity.gov Application for Application for Minor Privilege More Info not available
Auctioneer License This license is required for any person or business to perform auctioneer services. Finance EmailCOBBusinessLicense@baltimorecity.gov Application for Auctioneer License More Info not available
Business License Application This license is required for businesses such as antique dealers, second hand dealers, consignment goods, employment agencies, junk dealers, ticket agencies, retail motor fuel, bowling alleys, dance academies, halls or sport centers, motion picture theaters, for profit theaters, and towing services, Finance EmailCOBBusinessLicense@baltimorecity.gov Application for Business License Application More Info not available
Construction Permit Application A construction permit and/or use permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, rehabilitate, demolish or move any structure. Erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system. Change the use of any structure or land. Perform any grading or excavating. Housing EmailDHCD_Permits@baltimorecity.gov Application for Construction Permit Application More Info not available
Food License Application Anyone who wishes to sell or distribute food must obtain a food license from the Baltimore City Health Department. Food includes ice, prepackaged items, e.g. candy, gum, sodas, etc, and prepared foods. Health EmailToniaWormleyE.Taylor@baltimorecity.gov Application for Food License Application More Info not available
Food Service Manager Each moderate and high priority risk food facilities must employ a certified food manager (CFM) who is licensed with the City Health Department. Health EmailToniaWormleyE.Taylor@baltimorecity.gov Application for Food Service Manager More Info not available
Install a Driveway Application to install a driveway. General Services Emailjoe.kostow@baltimorecity.gov Application for Install a Driveway More Info not available
Liquor License This license is required if you wish to serve alcohol at your establishment. Liquor Board Emailjane.schroeder@baltimorecity.gov Application not available More Info not available
Live Entertainment License The Office of the Zoning Administrator is responsible for insuring that construction activity and land use complies with the City's zoning code. This is required for an establishment that will be using Live Entertainment as an accessory use and not as a primary use. Housing EmailDHCD_Permits@baltimorecity.gov Application for Live Entertainment License More Info not available
Pawnbroker License This license is required for any business that wants to operate as a pawnbroker facility. Finance EmailCOBBusinessLicense@baltimorecity.gov Application for Pawnbroker License More Info not available
Retail Business District License This license is required for all retail business establishments located within the ten retail districts. Finance EmailCOBBusinessLicense@baltimorecity.gov Application for Retail Business District License More Info not available
Simulated Slot Machine License This license is required for any establishment that wants to operate simulated slot machine games on its premises. Finance EmailCOBBusinessLicense@baltimorecity.gov Application for Simulated Slot Machine License More Info not available
Solid Waste Application Anyone who wishes to transport waste to the City landfill must obtain a permit from the City Health Department. The type and cost of permit depends on the size and weight of the vehicle. Health Emailpatricia.vauls@baltimorecity.gov Application for Solid Waste Application More Info not available
Street Vendor License The license is required for anyone wanting to sell food products or merchandise of any kind on any street in Baltimore City. Finance EmailCOBBusinessLicense@baltimorecity.gov Application for Street Vendor License More Info not available
Tattooing License Anyone who wishes to maintain, operate, or conduct a tattoo establishment in Baltimore City must obtain a license from the Baltimore City Health Department. Health Emailpatricia.vauls@baltimorecity.gov Application for Tattooing License More Info not available
Temporary Use of Right of Way For builders or citizens temporary use of the right of way includes excavation, scaffolds, dumpsters, fences and parking. Right of Way is any public space such as streets and sidewalks. General Services Emailjoe.kostow@baltimorecity.gov Application for Temporary Use of Right of Way More Info not available
Use and Occupancy Permit Application A Use & Occupancy (U&O) permit is required to occupy any newly-constructed structure or addition, to use for any purpose previously vacant land, to make any change in the authorized use of any land structure, or to make a change in a business' ownership. Housing EmailDHCD_Permits@baltimorecity.gov Application for Use and Occupancy Permit Application More Info not available
Wastewater Discharge Permit Article 25 of the Baltimore City Code, as amended, regulates sewage disposal. Any discharger of non-residential wastes into the City wastewater system is required to obtain a Wastewater Discharge Permit from the City. The information requested in this application will determine if a permit is necessary and the category designation. Public Works EmailWende.smith@baltimorecity.gov Application for Wastewater Discharge Permit More Info not available