Fitness Studio Permit Requirements in Fargo, ND

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner — Sales and Use Tax Permit

   Required for any business selling taxable goods or services in North Dakota. The state sales tax rate is 5% for most retail sales, and cities and counties may levy additional local sales and use taxes that vary by location — check the Tax Commissioner’s local tax rate listings for your address. Apply for the permit in ND TAP, the state’s Taxpayer Access Point.

   Official government source

   Free·Apply through ND TAP at least 30 days before you open for business, as the Tax Commissioner advises.

   Free

   Apply through ND TAP at least 30 days before you open for business, as the Tax Commissioner advises.

2. No North Dakota Health Club Registration

   North Dakota has no health club or fitness studio registration requirement. There is no ND Health Club Act, and the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division does not register health clubs or sellers of multi-month memberships — that requirement exists in some other states but not in North Dakota. Membership contracts remain subject to North Dakota's general consumer protection law.

   Official government source

   No fee — no such registration exists in North Dakota.·No application to file.

   No fee — no such registration exists in North Dakota.

   No application to file.

1. City of Fargo Occupational License (only for listed trades)

   Fargo does not require a general business license. The city states: "The City does not require business licenses for every type of commerce; however, the Fargo Municipal Code does require a City license for the businesses listed below." The licensed categories are specific trades and regulated businesses — excavator, sidewalk builder, house mover, re-roofing, sign hanger, master plumber, master and journeyman heating contractor, commercial hauler, pawn broker, second hand dealer, transportation vehicles, alcohol sellers, mobile home communities and forestry. Check the Auditor's Office list before assuming a license applies to you.

   Official government source

   No general business license fee. Listed categories have set annual fees — for example excavator $250/year (with a $100,000 bond), master plumber $125/year, master heating contractor $125/year, sign hanger $125/year, forestry $50/year.·1–3 weeks, and only if your business type is on the city's licensed list

   No general business license fee. Listed categories have set annual fees — for example excavator $250/year (with a $100,000 bond), master plumber $125/year, master heating contractor $125/year, sign hanger $125/year, forestry $50/year.

   1–3 weeks, and only if your business type is on the city's licensed list

2. City of Fargo Certificate of Occupancy — Assembly Use

   Fitness studios in Fargo must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy for assembly/fitness use, tied to a building permit from the City of Fargo Inspections Department. Fire suppression, emergency exits, and occupancy limits are inspected before occupancy is approved. Cass County does not issue occupancy approvals inside city limits.

   Official government source

   Valuation-based commercial building permit fee, starting at $50 for work up to $1,000 and rising with project value (about $338 at $25,000, about $833 at $100,000), plus a plan review fee of 20% of the permit fee.·2–6 weeks

   Valuation-based commercial building permit fee, starting at $50 for work up to $1,000 and rising with project value (about $338 at $25,000, about $833 at $100,000), plus a plan review fee of 20% of the permit fee.

   2–6 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Fargo Finance Department
• North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner — Sales Tax Permit

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