| Permit | Agency | Cost | Link |
|---|
| Business Registration | NC Secretary of State | $125 | sosnc.gov |
| Federal EIN | IRS | Free | irs.gov |
| Sales Tax Number | NC Dept of Revenue | Free | ncdor.gov |
| City Business License | N/A (not required in NC) | N/A | See note below |
| Permit | When Required | Contact |
|---|
| Building Permit | Any construction/renovation | 910-433-1707 |
| Electrical Permit | Any electrical work | 910-433-1707 |
| Plumbing Permit | Any plumbing work | 910-433-1707 |
| Mechanical Permit | HVAC installation | 910-433-1707 |
Apply Online: Fayetteville E-Development Portal
If your business is in the Historic District, additional approval is required:
| Requirement | Description | Contact |
|---|
| Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) | Required for exterior changes | 910-433-1457 |
| Exterior Paint Approval | Color approval required | 910-433-1457 |
| Signage Review | Design must meet guidelines | 910-433-1457 |
| Permit | Details | Contact |
|---|
| Sign Permit | Required for ALL outdoor signage | 910-433-1705 |
| Insurance | City must be named as additional insured | - |
| Zoning Approval | Required for all signs | 910-433-1707 |
Ground signs 6+ feet or pole signs require building permit.
| Permit | Agency | Details |
|---|
| Food Service Permit | Cumberland County Health | Required for all food service |
| Food Handler Certification | NC DHHS | At least one certified employee |
| Grease Trap Permit | City of Fayetteville | If cooking with grease |
| Permit | Agency | Cost | Details |
|---|
| ABC Retail Permit | NC ABC Commission | $400-$1,000 | abc.nc.gov |
| Mixed Beverage | NC ABC Commission | $1,000 | Bars, restaurants |
| Beer/Wine Only | NC ABC Commission | $400 | Limited selection |
Requirements:
- Must be 21+ to apply
- Food sales must be 30%+ of revenue (restaurants)
- Alcohol served 7am-2am only (no Sunday before noon)
- No happy hours allowed (full-day specials only)
Contact: 919-779-0700 or abc.nc.gov
| Permit | Fee | Requirements |
|---|
| Outdoor Business Use Permit | Annual fee | 5-foot sidewalk clearance required |
Contact Development Services: 910-433-1707
The Fire Marshal’s Office inspects new and existing commercial occupancies. Certain uses require operational permits.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| Occupancy Inspection | Required for new businesses and change of use |
| Operational Permits | Required for certain uses (assembly, hazardous materials) |
| Fire Suppression | Required for commercial kitchens |
| Egress Review | Emergency exits must meet code |
Fire Marshal’s Office: fayettevillenc.gov/fire-inspection
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| Mobile Food Vendor Permit | City of Fayetteville |
| Commissary Agreement | Must operate from licensed commissary |
| Fire Inspection | Fire suppression, gas lines, extinguishers |
| Parking Permit | Location-specific |
| Health Permit | Cumberland County Health Dept |
See: Vendors & Pop-ups Guide
Quick access to common permit applications and resources:
