Auto Repair Shop Permit Requirements in Grand Forks, 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. North Dakota DEQ — Used Oil and Hazardous Waste Rules

   Auto repair shops must comply with the ND Department of Environmental Quality Hazardous Waste Program, which implements RCRA in North Dakota and regulates the generation, storage, transport, recycling and disposal of hazardous waste and used oil. In practice this means labeled and closed containers, secondary containment for used oil and solvents, no floor-drain or storm-drain disposal, and manifested pickup by a permitted hauler or recycler.

   Official government source

   No DEQ permit fee for a typical shop; costs are the commercial rates charged by your waste hauler or oil recycler.·No application to file before opening. If your shop generates enough hazardous waste to need an EPA identification number, contact NDDEQ at 701-328-5150 first.

   No DEQ permit fee for a typical shop; costs are the commercial rates charged by your waste hauler or oil recycler.

   No application to file before opening. If your shop generates enough hazardous waste to need an EPA identification number, contact NDDEQ at 701-328-5150 first.

1. Grand Forks Business License (only if your business type is on the city's licensed list)

   Grand Forks does NOT have a general business license for most businesses. The city requires a license only for specific categories: alcohol sales, body art/tattoo facilities and artists, food establishments (bakeries, grocery/retail meat, restaurants, mobile food vendors, concession stands), childcare facilities, hotels/motels, taxi/towing operators, retail tobacco dealers, and a few other regulated categories. Building-trade licenses (electrician, plumber, mechanical installer, etc.) are issued separately by the Building Inspections Department. Check the city's license list for your specific business type before assuming a license is required.

   Official government source

   Varies by license category - see the city's fee schedule; most businesses need no city license at all·1–3 weeks (only if your business type requires a license)

   Varies by license category - see the city's fee schedule; most businesses need no city license at all

   1–3 weeks (only if your business type requires a license)

2. City of Grand Forks Zoning Approval and Certificate of Occupancy

   Auto repair shops must operate in a properly zoned commercial or industrial district. Obtain zoning approval from Grand Forks Planning and Community Development and a Certificate of Occupancy from the City of Grand Forks Building Inspections Department before opening — Grand Forks County does not administer zoning or occupancy inside the incorporated city.

   Official government source

   Building and occupancy permit fees are based on project valuation under the city's fee schedule; the Building Inspections Department (701-746-2631) quotes the amount for your project.·2–6 weeks

   Building and occupancy permit fees are based on project valuation under the city's fee schedule; the Building Inspections Department (701-746-2631) quotes the amount for your project.

   2–6 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Grand Forks City Finance Office
• North Dakota DEQ — Used Oil and Hazardous Waste

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