Business License Requirements

There are approximately 34 different business licenses which are regulated by Ordinance through the City of Bemidji. The City Clerk's office regulates the majority of licensing.   For Rental and Building Permit licensing requirements go to the Building & Housing Department. 

In addition to those listed is the requirement for liquor licensing. All licenses will be granted, subject to the license holder meeting city and state requirements. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry requires the city collect proof of worker's compensation coverage or a permit to self-insure.

It is the applicant/license holder’s responsibility to read and be familiar with the City ordinances regulating their particular license.  The City Code is available on-line at Municode [CODE], or by contacting the City Clerk’s office.

When submitting your license application, please read through the application carefully.  The City does not accept incomplete license applications or applications that do not include the require documentation as listed in the application.  Applications, required documentation and full payment must all be included in your submittal.  For renewals, if an application is submitted incomplete or without the necessary documentation, the application will be returned to the applicant.

 

If you have any questions relating to city ordinances and/or State of Minnesota Statutes, please contact the City Clerk's office at (218) 759-3570 or e-mail the City Clerk.

 

*At the time of an initial application, the city requires an applicant for this type of license to undergo an investigation prior to granting the license. There is an investigation for each license.

**Used Car Lots require an Interim Use Permit...Check with the Greater Bemidji Joint Planning Board Office at 218-759-3579.