City of Baltimore Licensing and Permits
This links below contain 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.
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.
Angela Banks
Phone: (410) 396-3575
Website
P.O. Box 17283
Baltimore Police Department, False Alarm Reduction Program
Baltimore, MD 21297
Amusement Device Registration
This license is required for any establishment that wants to operate amusement device games on its premises.
Dawn Cherry
Phone: (410) 361-9690
Website
200 Holliday Street
First Floor Room 3 - Department of Finance, Bureau of Revenue Collections, Miscellaneous Tax/License Unit
Baltimore, MD 21202
Auctioneer License, Department of Finance, Bureau of Revenue Collections, Miscellaneous Tax/License Unit
This license is required for any person or business to perform auctioneer services.
Dawn Cherry
Phone: (410) 361-9690
Website
200 Holliday Street, Department of Finance, Bureau of Revenue Collections, Miscellaneous Tax/License Unit
Room 3
Baltimore, MD 21202
Baltimore County Small Business Resource Center
The SBRC is a free service to help you establish, grow and improve your business through one-on-one sessions.
Business License Registration
Some businesses in Baltimore must have a business license. Click on this profile to view more details on industries impacted.
Dawn Cherry
Phone: (410) 361-9690
Website
200 Holliday Street
First Floor Room 3 - Department of Finance, Bureau of Revenue Collections, Miscellaneous Tax/License Unit
Baltimore, MD 21202
Conditional Use Authorization (for Live Entertainment and/or Dancing)
A conditional use authorization is required for an establishment that will be using live entertainment and/or dancing.
Phone: (410) 396-3237
Website
417 E. Fayette Street
Room 147 - Baltimore Housing, Office of the Zoning Administrator
Baltimore, MD 21202
Construction Permit
A construction permit and/or use permit is required in Baltimore.
Construction Permit Amendment/Extension
Information for amending or extending a construction permit.
Department of Public Works - Boards and Commissions
Welcome
The Office of Boards and Commissions prequalifies all construction contractors and design consultants intending to perform contracts with the City of Baltimore that exceed $25,000.00
Driveway Installation Permit
Application to install a driveway.
Phone: (410) 396-4508
Website
200 Holliday Street
Room 6 - Department of Transportation Baltimore City, Right of Way Permits Section
Baltimore, MD 21202
Food License
Anyone who wishes to sell or distribute food must obtain a food license from the Baltimore City Health Department.
https://health.baltimorecity.gov/environmental-health/food-facilities
Phone: (410) 396-4424
Website
1001 E. Fayette Street
Environmental Health, Baltimore City Health Department
Baltimore, MD 21202
Food Service Manager License
Each moderate and high priority risk food facilities must employ a certified food manager (CFM) who is licensed with the City Health Department.
Phone: (410) 396-4424
Website
1001 E. Fayette Street
Bureau of Environmental Health, Baltimore City Health Department
Baltimore, MD 21202
Liquor License
This license is required if you wish to serve alcohol at your establishment.
Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation
Real Property Division
Real property is reassessed on a three-year cycle by reviewing one-third of all property in Maryland every year. The review includes an exterior physical inspection of the property. The Real Property Valuation Division participates in all appeals court proceedings where assessment questions are involved.
Assessments are certified by the Department to local governments where they are converted into property tax bills by applying the appropriate property tax rates. An assessment is based on an appraisal of the fair market value of the property. An appraisal is an estimate of value. There are three accepted approaches to market value: (1) the sales approach; (2) the cost approach; (3) the income approach. While differing in the method of calculation each approach is designed to indicate the property’s fair market value. The property tax is primarily a local government revenue. Counties and cities depend on the property tax and a portion of the income tax to make up their budgets.
Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation
If you are seeking information about a License in the State of Maryland for your business log on to www.dllr.state.md.us.
Maryland Department of Labor/Maryland Occupational Safety and Health
This site will provide you with the resources to start a business in Maryland.
Minor Privilege
Guidelines on what can and cannot be placed outdoors within the public right of way.
Phone: (410) 396-3346
Website
200 Holliday Street
Room 204 - Department of Transportation, Minor Privilege Section
Baltimore, MD 21202
Pawnbroker License
This license is required for any business that wants to operate as a pawnbroker facility.
Phone: (410) 361-9690
Website
200 Holliday Street
First Floor Room 3 - Department of Finance, Bureau of Revenue Collections, Miscellaneous Tax/License Unit
Baltimore, MD 21202
Retail Business District License
This license is required for all retail business establishments located within the ten retail districts.
Phone: (410) 361-9690
Website
200 Holliday Street
First Floor Room 3 - Department of Finance, Bureau of Revenue Collections, Miscellaneous Tax/License Unit
Baltimore, MD 21202
Simulated Slot Machine License
This license is required for any establishment that wants to operate simulated slot machine games on its premises.
Phone: (410) 361-9690
Website
200 Holliday Street
First Floor Room 3 - Department of Finance, Bureau of Revenue Collections, Miscellaneous Tax/License Unit
Baltimore, MD 21202
Solid Waste Permit
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.
Phone: (410) 396-4428
Website
1001 E. Fayette Street
Bureau of Environmental Health, Baltimore City Health Department
Baltimore, MD 21202
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. This License is provided by the Department of Transportation Right of Way Services Division.
https://transportation.baltimorecity.gov/street-mobile-vending
City of Baltimore Department of Transportation Right of Way Services Division
Phone: (410) 396-1916
Website
Special Events and Street Vendors Section
The Councilman Harry S. Cummings Building
Baltimore, MD 21202
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.
Phone: (410) 396-4428
Website
1001 E. Fayette Street
Bureau of Environmental Health, Baltimore City Health Department
Baltimore, MD 21202
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.
Phone: (410) 396-4508
Website
200 Holliday Street
Room 6 - Department of Transportation, Right of Way Permits Section
Baltimore, MD 21202
Use and Occupancy Permit
A Use & Occupancy permit is required for 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.
$73 FEE FOR 1-AND 2-FAMILY DWELLINGS
$98 FEE FOR ALL OTHER PROPERTIES
Wastewater Discharge Permit
Any discharge of non-residential waste into the City wastewater system will require a Wastewater Discharge Permit.
Phone: (410) 396-9695
Website
8201 Eastern Boulevard
Department of Public Works, Bureau of Water and Wastewater, Pollution Control Section
Baltimore, MD 21224
