Special Events

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

• Click here to learn how to get started.
• For additional assistance, please contact (313) 224-3179 or [email protected].

Application Guidelines

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

Required Clearances

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

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.

¹ Only required for newly established or change of use.

² Sub-License to Festival/ Carnival.

Associated Fees

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

Carnival

• Carnival Non-Profit City Owned Land: $83.00/event
• Carnival City Council Approved Dates: $58.00/event
• Carnival City-Owned Land Friday / Saturday / Sunday / Holiday: $58.00/event

Riding Devices (Carnival Rides)

• Riding Devices: $35.00/device

Clearance Instructions

Bond / Insurance

• Submit application online at bit.ly/codbondapplication 
• Contact BSEED Licensing & Permits with questions

Environmental Health (Detroit Health Department)

• Call 313-876-4715 or visit www.detroitmi.gov/environmentalsafety to confirm the steps and fees for your business. Some business license types will also require a state of Michigan License. You may pay your fees to the health department at https://cod.divdatkiosknetwork.com/EnvironmentalHealth

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. 
  • Phone: (313) 224-3025
  • Email: [email protected]
• 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