Permits & Licenses

Building Permits - The Building Inspections Division administers adopted ordinances related to development within the City of Bismarck and the City of Bismarck extra-territorial area. Major responsibilities include building code and zoning enforcement, permitting, plan review, inspections, floodplain management, mechanical contractor licensing, and addressing.

Door to Door Licenses - The City of Bismarck now accepts applications for door-to-door sales and solicitations. The application form is available to print online, or you may pick up a copy at the Administration Office. The completed application is sent to the Police Department for review and approval. The process takes about seven to ten business days to complete.
 
Fire Alarm and Sprinkler Permits - Fire alarm permits are required anytime a new fire alarm system is being installed or an existing fire alarm system is being upgraded. Modifications of existing sprinkler systems will require a permit.

Food Service Applications - Bismarck’s Environmental Health Division licenses and inspects all food establishments located in Bismarck. Food establishments typically include: restaurants, bakeries, bars, gas stations, discount/dollar stores, hotel/motels, temporary food setups and mobile food units.

Gaming Permits - An organization recognized as a public-spirited organization may apply for a local permit to conduct only raffles, bingo, and sports pools to be conducted throughout the year or may apply for a restricted event permit to conduct a one-time gaming event where the organization may conduct only raffles, bingo, sports pools, paddlewheels, twenty-one, and poker.
 
Liquor Permits and Licenses - All alcoholic beverage licenses, with the exception of special event permits, require approval of the Board of City Commissioners after review by the Administration Department and Bismarck Police Department.

Load Restrictions, Permits and Truck Routes - Any vehicle with an actual or registered gross vehicle weight of 10,000 lbs. or more must use truck routes as provided in the city ordinance.

Online Permits, Projects, and Licenses - Contractors can apply for projects, permits, and licenses, depending on the Department's guidelines, by registering for an account with the City by directly contacting that individual department:

Pawnbroker Licenses - These licenses apply to any person who maintains a store, shop or place of business where purchases are made of used metals, rags, bottles, bones, or a scrap of any kind, nature, or description for the purpose of resale either at retail or otherwise.
 
Permits for Work in Rights of Way - A permit is required for anyone needing to perform work within city rights of way. The right of way is considered the area between the front property line on one side of the street to the front property line on the other side of the street.

Street Tree Planting Permits - Property owners may plant street trees by obtaining a Permit to Plant Trees on Public Street Right-of-Way from the Forestry Division. Permits are free of charge.

Taxi Company Licenses - The City of Bismarck now accepts applications for taxi company licenses. The application form is available to print online or you may pick up a copy at the Administration Office. The completed application is sent to the Police Department for review and approval, as well as requiring the approval of the Board of City Commissioners. The process can take up to four weeks to complete.