Retail

 

Customer are strongly encouraged to apply for Business Licenses online through BSEED's Electronic Licensing and Permitting System (eLAPS).

Application Guidelines

Refer to the table for the appropriate eLAPS application for your business.

Business License Type Record Type Application Name License Type
Cigarette Retail Retail Application Retailer Cigarette Retail
Pet Shop (Live Animals) Retail Application Retailer Pet Shop

Required Clearances

Refer to the table below for a breakdown of the Clearances required for your business.

Business License Type   Bond / Insurance    Environmental Health (Detroit Health Department)    Fire     Food Safety (Detroit Health Department)    Police     Property Maintenance  Treasury

Apply Here
Cigarette Retail           X X
Pet Shop (Live Animals)   X (Animal Control) X     X X

Required Documents

Refer to the table below for a breakdown of the required documents to include in your business license application. All documents must be submitted through eLAPS.

Business License Type Building Permit 1 Proof of Ownership: Lease Contract / Property Deed Articles of incorporation Current Identification
Cigarette Retail X X X X
Pet Shop (Live Animals) X X X X

1 Only required for newly established or change of use.

Associated Fees

Business License applications are subject to multiple fees dependent on scope. Fee types and prices are subject to change. Charged annually.  

 

Cigarette Retail

  • Cigarette Retail: $55.00/year

Pet Shop

  • Pet Shop: $99.00/year

 

Clearance Instructions

Bond / Insurance

Environmental Health (Detroit Health Department)

Fire

  • Step 1: Call to confirm and pay fee.  
    • Phone: 313-596-2963
    • Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
    • Note: You can mail your payment or pay via phone with credit card for an additional 3% charge.
  • Step 2: Call to schedule inspection.  
    • Phone: 313-596-2954
    • Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
    • In Person (note phone is preferred): 1301 Third St. Detroit MI 48226

Food Safety (Detroit Health Department)

  • You do not need to schedule this inspection. The Health Department will visit your location according to their schedule. If you have any questions, you may call Food Safety: 313-876-0135

Police

  • Check with BSEED Licensing & Permits about whether you require a Police Department clearance and, if so, whether you need to visit the Police Department or whether they will conduct an unannounced inspection. Some business types that require Police Department clearance include:
    • Gas stations
    • Pedicabs
    • Valet drivers
    • Parking lot attendants
    • Junk collectors

Property Maintenance

  • Call to confirm Certificate of Compliance expiration and schedule inspection if needed. You will be mailed an invoice after the inspection takes place. You will not receive your C of C until all fees owed to BSEED have been paid.
    • Phone: (313) 628-2451
    • Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • In Person: Buildings, Safety, Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)
    • CAYMC, 2 Woodward, Suite 412

Treasury

  • Step 1: Get your Personal Property Tax ID. You must have this in order to apply for a clearance. 
  • Step 2: Use this link to access the clearance application: http://bit.ly/detroitclearances
    • The application includes 2 components:
      • Component 1: Complete application Information
      • Component 2:  Security submit personal information -social security and/or employer identification number (EIN) - to the City of Detroit through DocuSign
    • Both pages are required in order to complete your application. Failure to do so could result in a longer processing time. Please allow 7-10 business days for an update on your clearance. 
    • Please  direct any questions related to completing the application to the following email address: [email protected]
    • In Person: Treasury, Clearance Unit, CAYMC, 2 Woodward Avenue