Apply For A Business License Fort Wayne, Indiana
Looking to start a business in Fort Wayne, Indiana and need a business license?
The City of Fort Wayne does not have a general business license. If you are looking to begin a business now or in the near future, you should know that the City of Fort Wayne demands business licenses and business permits from only certain types of business activities. At this point in time, the following are permits and licenses are issued by the City of Fort Wayne:
| Alarm Business License |
| Special Parade Permit |
| Barricade Permit |
| Special Event Permit |
| Food Service Permit |
| Transient Vendor’s Permit |
| Massage Permit |
| Transient Merchant Alcohol Carnival Permit |
| Tattoo and Body Piercing Permit |
| Transient Accommodation |
| Truck Permit, Local |
| Valuable Metals Permit |
You may visit https://www.cityoffortwayne.org/services.html#forms-and-permits for the current list.
What should I do for an alcohol license in Indiana?
First, you will need to contact the State of Indiana and find out whether or not you will be able to open a liquor store. Licensing at the local level is not a requirement in order to run an alcoholic serving establishment. You will need to discover whether or not you will be able to open a liquor store. Per state law, one liquor license can be issued per a specific population density that does change after voting on occasion. You may call the State of Indiana Department of Taxation for information regarding whether or not you will be permitted to own or operate a liquor store or establishment. Call (317) 232-2430 if you have questions or visit the state’s website for details: http://www.in.gov/atc/2458.htm.
Next, you will need call (817) 652-5912 and request that the application be mailed or faxed to you. Some cities require their own permitting for alcoholic beverages along with the state. The City of Fort Wayne does not have an alcohol license unless it is for a special event. You can find the application for Fort Wayne. You may also visit their webpage to download the application: https://www.cityoffortwayne.org/services.html#forms-and-permits.
Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission
Indiana Government Center South, Room E-114
302 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-2430
Fax: (317) 234-1520
What should be done to operate a Fort Wayne special event?
You will need to completely fill out the City of Fort Wayne Special Event Application. It is important to note that this application must be completed and filed with the city at least two full weeks prior to the event itself. The application can be found online: Fort Wayne Permit. The cost of the event itself will be determined by the City of Fort Wayne, for they will have to supply officers, barricades, etc. You can contact the Right of Way Office by calling (260) 427-6155.
What costs will those who apply for any business permits in Fort Wayne, Indiana need to pay?
The fees associated with obtaining necessary permits range from $20 to $4,000 approximately. Please call the City of Fort Wayne for further details:
| Alarm Business License |
| Special Parade Permit |
| Barricade Permit |
| Special Event Permit |
| Food Service Permit |
| Transient Vendor’s Permit |
| Massage Permit |
| Transient Merchant Alcohol Carnival Permit |
| Tattoo and Body Piercing Permit |
| Transient Accommodation |
| Truck Permit, Local |
| Valuable Metals Permit |
Are there any programs to assist business owners in Fort Wayne, Indiana?
Yes. The City of Fort Wayne offers programs in the form of guidance and financial assistance through both grants and loans. You can find a lot of helpful information and who to contact on the City of Fort Wayne website. For the ease of prospective business owners who desire to begin a business in Fort Wayne, the city has created a step-by-step guide, “Steps to Starting a Business.” This guide can be found directly on the city’s webpage at http://www.fwcommunitydevelopment.org/redevelopment/business-programs/how-to-start-a-business. The city has created another helpful pamphlet entitled Permits, Licenses and Taxes: Starting a Business.
What information will be needed for the City of Fort Wayne permits and licenses?
If you are one of the specified businesses in which a permit is required, you will need these details:
- Applicant Name
- Business Name
- Applicant’s Phone Number and Address
- Business Owner’s Name
- Business Owner’s Number and Address
- Name of Person in Charge of Solicitation, if applicable
- If Solicitor’s Permit, whether or not the FDA has declared any of the proposed products to be harmful
- Business Service Specifics, ex: What Type of Food Will be Served? Etc.
- Driver’s License Numbers for both Applicant and Business Owner
- Business Type: Individual or Sole Proprietor, Corporation, Partnership or Other
- Business Website Address
- Date Business Will Commence
- Number of Excepted Employees
- Expected Employees’ Information such as Numbers and Driver’s License Numbers
- Certification from the Planning and Zoning Commission
- Signatures of both the Applicant and Business Owner
Will those who apply need other licenses or permits or verification of any kind in Fort Wayne?
Yes. It is a requirement to have your business property inspected by the Allen County Building Department and the Zoning and Planning Dept. They verify that your chosen property conforms to all of the City Ordinances for your business type and for safety. To contact the Planning and Community Development Department you may call (260) 427-1127. Please have all of your specifics with you regarding the location of your building, age, dimensions, and the like. Additionally, you may visit their website at http://www.fwcommunitydevelopment.org/planning/about-us. A Certificate of Occupancy must be issued prior to the commencement of your business.
Department of Planning and Community Development
Planning and Policy Office
Citizens Square, Suite 320
200 East Berry Street
(260)-427-1140 or (260)-427-1132
Any further questions?
You may contact the City of Fort Wayne at (206) 427-1127. The City of Fort Wayne hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The first question contains other essential phone numbers you may need.
You may want to visit the Fort Wayne Business website for more information.
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