New Business Licenses and Permits

A business license is a license or permit issued by a government entity, in order to legally conduct business. The City of Bismarck does not presently have a general business license, however certain occupations may require a license or permit, specific to that use, to operate. Locally issued licenses and permits may include building permits, food service, gaming, liquor sales, excavation and concrete work, taxi operations can be found (with others) online. 

In addition, Bismarck Fire Department has required permits and inspections which can be found online.

In addition to licenses and permits issued by the City of Bismarck, the State of North Dakota may also have state licensing requirements for specific businesses, which can be found online. 

A building permit is required for any new construction, alteration, repair, and demolition of an existing building or structure, and the change of occupancy of an existing building or structure, including any new installation, alteration, signage, or repair of the electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems within the building or structure. If you have questions on if a building permit is needed please contact the Community Development department by phone at 701-355-1465 or by email.

New Construction

• A new construction permit is issued for the construction of all new single-tenant buildings.

Alteration

• An alteration permit is issued for all repairs, alterations, and reconfigurations of an exiting single-tenant building. 

Addition

• An addition permit is issued for a vertical or horizontal addition to an existing building. 

Building Shell

• A building shell permit is issued for the construction of the structural building envelope of a new building including but not limited to the footing, foundation, exterior walls, and roof. A shell building permit does not include the permit and plan review of the interior layout of a building or tenant space. A certificate of occupancy will not be issued for a shell building permit.

Tenant Improvement

• A tenant improvement permit is issued for the construction of interior building elements including but not limited to walls, floors, fixtures and finishes of a new tenant space within a multi-tenant building or for the alteration of an existing tenant space within a multi-tenant building. A tenant improvement permit may also be used to document a change of occupancy when alterations are being completed as part of the change of occupancy. 

Sign 

• Most permanent sign types require a sign permit from the Building Inspections division, including installation by a licensed sign installer. Some notable exceptions include: window signs, portable signs (although owners must keep records of placement to be available upon inspection), other temporary signs and displays, inwardly oriented signs, and public art. For a detailed list of sign permitting and exemptions, see Section 14-03.1-03 of the zoning ordinance.