Business License

Due to COVID-19 and lobby construction, the Business License Clerk is available by APPOINTMENT ONLY.

 Our building is still closed to general public access. Please call 479.575.8352 for assistance. Masks and Social distancing will be required for appointments.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience and cooperation during this time.

New Development, Licensing and Permitting System Now in Operation

The City of Fayetteville has implemented a new web-based system called EnerGov™ to handle applications and payments for Planning, Engineering, Building Safety, Business Licensing, Alcoholic Beverage and HMR/Supplemental Beverage. For more information about this transition, please click here. Please note that our online portal is currently only available for business license renewals. Please contact the Business License Clerk at 479.575.8352 for information on how to apply for a new license. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Who Needs a Business License?

All businesses within the incorporated city limits of Fayetteville must obtain a Business License unless the business qualifies for an exemption. Please refer to Do I Qualify for more information. To determine if your business is located within the city limits, please visit our GIS map or use our Address Verification Tool.  

New Businesses

Please contact our Business License Clerk at 479.575.8352 for more information on how to submit an application for a new business license.

Existing Businesses without a License

An existing business that has not yet applied for a business license must do so within 60 days of the business opening to avoid additional fees. If your business has been in operation for more than 60 days without a business license, please contact the Business License Clerk at 479.575.8352. 

Renewals

All business licenses expire on October 31 each year. The renewal fee is $15 if payment is received by October 31. Please refer to the Fees section below for late fees. You can renew your business license online through our new Citizen Self-Service portal.

Fees


 Please refer to the Business License Fees for complete fee information.

What to Expect


Once you apply and pay for your business license, it will go through a review process.
The type of review(s) will depend on the type of business you operate.

Types of Businesses and Reviews



 Hotel, Motel, Restaurant, Bar, & Rental Car Businesses:
    • Accounting Review
    • Fire Review
    • Zoning Review
Other Commercial Businesses:
    • Fire Review
    • Zoning Review
Home-Based Businesses:
    • Zoning Review

Email Contacts for Reviews:
 Accounting Review - kmoore@fayetteville-ar.gov; 479.575.8287
Fire Marshal Review - firemarshal@fayetteville-ar.gov; 479.444.3448
Planning Zoning Review:  Contact the Business License Clerk at 479.575.8352 to find out which planner is assigned to your review.

Fire Department Inspection


The Fire Marshal's office has created a list of the most common fire and life safety violations discovered during inspections. Please review this document and take corrective measures prior to applying for the Business License.

Once you have applied for the Business License, the Fire Marshal will contact you to conduct a building inspection if one is needed. All fire and life safety violations must be corrected.

If you have any questions about your Fire Review, you may contact the Fire Marshal by calling 479.444.3448 or by emailing firemarshal@fayetteville-ar.gov.

Special Licenses

Outdoor Mobile and Sidewalk Vendors

If you are an outdoor mobile vendor or a sidewalk vendor, you will not apply for a Business License. Instead, please use the links below to apply. Please contact 479.444.3443 with questions.
Outdoor Mobile Vendor
Sidewalk Vendor

Solicitation Permit

For a Solicitation Permit, please apply for the Business License and a Solicitation Permit. Please click on the link below to apply. Please contact 479.444.3443 with questions.
Solicitation Permit