Obtaining Business Permits


Do I need a business permit?

The following types of businesses require a Business Permit:

Restaurants
Bars
Tobacco Retailers, Hookah Lounges, and Vaping Stores
Automobile Service Facilities
Salons, Hairdressers, Barber Shops, Appearance Enhancement, Tattoo Parlors, Body Piercing

Please note that businesses that hold the following other types of City licenses DO NOT have to obtain a Business Permit:

Entertainment
Amusement
Second-Hand Dealer
Pawn Broker

Although these businesses do not need business permits, they do have licensure requirements which can be found in the License Requirements section below. 

More information on Business Permits


How do I obtain a business permit?

  1. Submit a business permit application You first need to visit the Permit Office at City Hall and obtain an approval verifying that your new business is in compliance with Zoning. You will need to pay your $25 application fee at that time. Your application will be given back to you to submit by appointment to the business Neighborhood Service Center. You can also obtain or apply for new signage permits at the Permit Office.
  2. Good Neighbor Agreement & Other Documentation After these code approvals and fee payment, your local NSC Office will contact you by phone or email to schedule a Good Neighbor Agreement teleconference and to obtain the following:
    • Government photo identification (NYS Driver's/Non-driver's License or United States Passport) for all persons listed on your application.
    • Copies of all applicable licenses required to operate your business. These may include, but are not limited to the following:
      Certificate of Authority
      NYS Liquor License
      NYS Tobacco Retailers License
      NYS Vapor Product Dealer Certificate
      Master Barber/Barber shop Owner/Cosmetology/Appearance Enhancement License
      NYS DMV License (for auto sales, repairs, and inspection stations)
      Department of Health Food Preparation Certificate
  3. Complete Good Neighbor Agreement
  4. Tax & Criminal Records Checks The City will perform a record check with New York State for any outstanding tax liability information. The City will also perform a criminal records check on all persons listed on your application.
  5. Receive Business Permit Assuming the background checks clear, the Business Permit will be issued within 30 days.

If an application is found to be incomplete, or cannot be processed due to background check issues, the applicant will be notified in writing within 30 days. If there is sufficient cause for concern on the part of the City of Rochester regarding the operation of the business, the owner/applicant may be offered a Conditional Business Permit.

Business Permits are valid for one (1) year only, provided that there is no change in the type, location, owner(s), operator(s), or partner(s) in the business, or if there is no other cause for the permit to be suspended or revoked.

License Requirements

Entertainment Businesses License Requirements

In order to maintain or operate a public entertainment center within the City of Rochester, you must obtain an entertainment center license.

You can apply for a public entertainment center license or a limited entertainment center license with the City Clerk. The application can be found here

  About the Application Process

More information


Amusement Businesses License Requirements

In order to maintain or operate an amusement center within the City of Rochester, you must obtain an amusement center license.

You can apply for an amusement center license with the City Clerk on forms prescribed by the Chief of Police. The form can be found here.

  About the Application Process

More information


Second-Hand Dealer Businesses License Requirements

In order to operate a secondhand dealership, you must obtain a license from the Chief of Police.

You can apply for a secondhand dealer's license with the City Clerk, on forms provided by the Chief of Police. The application can be found here

  About the Application Process

More information


Pawn Broker Businesses License Requirements

The Chief of Police is the licensing authority authorized to issue licenses for collateral loan brokers as defined in Article 5 of the New York State General Business Law, hereinafter referred to as "pawnbrokers."

The application for a pawnbroker license can be found here. Licenses expire on May 31 after their date of issuance.

The annual license fee is $250. There is a fee of $10 for the replacement of a lost license.

More information

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