Raleigh, NC Business License Guide

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The Ultimate Business License Guide for Raleigh, North Carolina (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

Quick help (read this first)

Do you really need a “business license” in Raleigh?

The City of Raleigh no longer requires a general business privilege license for most businesses. The North Carolina General Assembly limited local privilege licenses effective July 1, 2015. Today, whether you need a license or permit depends on your location, your building, and what you do (for example, sell alcohol, serve food, operate a short‑term rental, run a salon, drive a taxi, place a sign, or host outdoor seating). See: City of Raleigh – Business Licensing (Overview of permits and approvals) and NCDOR – Privilege License Tax (state‑level professional privileges) (official).

Most Raleigh entrepreneurs must still do three things at minimum:

Reality check: You might not need a “license,” but you almost certainly need approvals. Fire, building, zoning, and health rules are enforced. Opening without approvals can trigger fines, stop‑work orders, and delays. The City is strict about certificates of occupancy for new tenants and changes of use. See: City of Raleigh – Certificate of Occupancy (official).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Call 919-996-2495 for Development Services to confirm exactly what approvals your business type and address require. If you’re stuck, BLNC advisors at 800-228-8443 can triage unusual cases and refer you to the right agency (official).

One‑page snapshot: Who needs what (Raleigh, NC)

Table 1 below maps common business types to likely permits. Use the links to check fees and current requirements.

Business activity in Raleigh Likely license/permit Issuer Where to start (official link) Notes
Any physical location (new or changing use) Zoning approval and Certificate of Occupancy City of Raleigh Raleigh Development Services – Permits Must be approved before opening.
Home‑based business Home Occupation approval City of Raleigh Raleigh – Home Occupation Limits on signage, employees, traffic.
Selling tangible goods Sales & Use Tax account NC Department of Revenue NCDOR – Register a business Collect and remit sales tax at the Wake County rate.
Restaurant, food truck, caterer Health permit Wake County Environmental Services Wake County – Food, Lodging, Institutions Pre‑opening plan review and inspections required.
Alcohol sales (on/off premises) ABC permits NC ABC Commission NC ABC – Permits City zoning verification often required in the ABC application.
Short‑term rental (Airbnb/VRBO) STR registration City of Raleigh Raleigh – Short‑Term Rentals Registration, limits on occupancy, parking, and adjacency.
Sidewalk café/outdoor seating Sidewalk Dining Permit / Right‑of‑Way use City of Raleigh Raleigh – Sidewalk Dining Insurance and layout plan required.
Signs (wall, awning, freestanding) Sign permit City of Raleigh Raleigh – Sign Permits Check size/placement rules.
Salon/barbershop Shop license + individual licenses NC Cosmetic Arts / NC Barber Board NC Cosmetic Arts Board / NC Board of Barber Examiners Health and sanitation inspections apply.
Child care center/home daycare Child care license NC DCDEE NC DCDEE – Child Care Licensing Zoning & building code requirements are strict.
Taxi/for‑hire vehicle For‑Hire Operator/Vehicle Permits City of Raleigh Police Raleigh Police – For‑Hire Permits Background checks; vehicle inspections.
Mobile vending/peddlers Mobile Vendor/Peddler Permits City of Raleigh Raleigh – Vending & Peddler Permits Location restrictions; event permissions.

Sources: City and state agencies listed above (official pages; accessed August 2025).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your business isn’t listed, call BLNC at 800-228-8443 or the City at 919-996-2495 with your exact business model (what you sell, where, and how). They’ll identify the right permits.

The essential Raleigh checklist (fastest path to open legally)

Start with the actions that block opening if ignored. Links are official sources.

  • Verify your use and space: zoning and Certificate of Occupancy (City of Raleigh)
  • Register your business for state taxes (NCDOR)
  • Form your legal entity or file your assumed business name (NC Secretary of State + Wake County Register of Deeds)
  • Secure any activity‑specific permits (health, ABC, short‑term rental, signage, sidewalk dining, peddlers)
  • Clear building and fire code requirements (permits/inspections)
  • Set up payroll and employer accounts (withholding, unemployment)
  • Schedule pre‑opening inspections and final approvals

1) Zoning and space: get approval and a Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

This is the gatekeeper. Do this first if you’ll have a physical location or customers onsite.

  • Check if your business use is allowed at your address.
  • If you’re taking a new commercial space or changing the type of use (e.g., retail to restaurant), you’ll need building code review and a new or updated Certificate of Occupancy before opening.
  • Home‑based businesses need Home Occupation approval and must follow rules on signage, traffic, and employees.

How to apply:

  • Visit Raleigh Development Services – Permits for step‑by‑step intake and online portal access.
  • For help, call 919-996-2495 (Development Services) or 919-996-3000 (City information). You can request a pre‑submittal meeting to reduce redesigns.

Required documents:

  • Address and parcel info; site plan or layout; scope of work.
  • For existing spaces, previous CO or permit history helps.
  • If doing upfits, prepare plans sealed by a licensed design professional when required.

Real‑world example:

  • A coffee shop moving into a former clothing boutique downtown will trigger a “change of use.” Even with no structural changes, ventilation, plumbing, grease interceptors, and accessibility can require upgrades and permits. Skipping this step leads to failed inspections and weeks of delay. See Raleigh – Certificate of Occupancy & Building Permits (official).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If zoning blocks your idea at your chosen address, ask Development Services about alternative districts or conditions, or work with a broker familiar with Raleigh zoning. For variances or rezonings, expect longer timelines and public processes—get professional help early.

2) Register your entity and business name (state + county)

Forming a company and securing your name is a state/county task, not a City license.

  • Choose your legal structure (LLC, corporation, sole proprietorship). For liability protection many choose an LLC. See NC Secretary of State – Starting a Business (official). Filing fees apply.
  • If you’ll operate under a name that is not your own legal name (for example, “Oak City Plants” instead of Jane Smith, or “Oak City Plants” for an LLC named Triangle Gardens LLC), file an assumed business name certificate with the Wake County Register of Deeds. See Wake County – Assumed Business Names (official). The filing fee is set by statute; check the page for the current amount.
  • Obtain a federal EIN from the IRS (free) if you’ll hire employees or form an entity. Apply online: IRS – Apply for an EIN (official). Cost: $0.

Fees and figures (check current amounts on the official pages):

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you need help deciding between an LLC and corporation, talk to a North Carolina business attorney or a CPA. Free guidance: BLNC advisors at 800-228-8443 and Wake Tech Small Business Center (select Wake Technical Community College in the center finder) offer free counseling and classes.

3) Register for state taxes (sales tax, withholding, more)

If you sell taxable goods/services in North Carolina or employ people, you must register with the NC Department of Revenue.

  • Apply online at NCDOR – Business Registration. For help call 877-252-3052 (official).
  • Sales and Use Tax: Register before your first taxable sale. Wake County has a local rate added to the state rate; check the current combined rate on NCDOR – Sales and Use Tax Rates by County (official).
  • Prepared Food & Beverage Tax (Wake County): Restaurants and similar businesses must collect an additional county tax on prepared food and beverages. See the official details and current rate on Wake County – Prepared Food & Beverage Tax (search “Prepared Food and Beverage Tax” on the Wake County site; official). The current rate has historically been 1%; confirm on the page.
  • Employer Withholding: Register to withhold NC income tax from employee wages. See NCDOR – Withholding Tax (official).
  • Unemployment Insurance (UI): Create an employer account with the Division of Employment Security to pay state UI taxes. See NC DES – Employer UI Taxes (official). For questions, contact the DES Employer Call Center (see contact options on the page).
  • Business Personal Property Tax: List your business equipment each year with Wake County by the statutory deadline (traditionally January 31). See Wake County Tax Administration – Business Personal Property (official). Extensions may be available; confirm on the page.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your sales tax nexus is unclear (online sales, multi‑state), call NCDOR at 877-252-3052 or consult a NC sales tax CPA. For UI rate or classification questions, contact DES via the employer portal support listed on the DES site.

4) Activity‑specific licenses and permits in Raleigh

Use the official links below for current steps, fees, and processing times.

  • Food businesses (restaurants, food trucks, caterers, markets)
  • Alcohol permits
  • Short‑term rentals
  • Signage and outdoor seating
  • Mobile vending and peddlers
  • For‑hire vehicles (taxi, limo, TNC requirements differ)
  • Personal services (salons, barbers, massage/bodywork)
  • Child care
  • Contractors and skilled trades (state boards)

Table 2. Activity‑specific permits and where to apply

Activity Permit Issuer Start here (official link) Notes
Restaurant or retail food Food service establishment permit Wake County Environmental Services Wake County – Food Program Plan review required; pre‑opening inspection.
Mobile food (food truck/cart) Mobile Food Unit permit; Fire safety approvals Wake County; City of Raleigh Fire/Right‑of‑Way Wake County – Mobile Food Units and Raleigh – Food Trucks Commissary agreement often required.
Temporary food (events) Temporary Food Establishment permit Wake County Wake County – Temporary Food Apply before event deadlines.
Alcohol sales ABC Retail, On/Off Premises, Mixed Beverage NC ABC Commission NC ABC – Retail Permits Zoning verification and local notices required.
Short‑term rental (Airbnb/VRBO) STR registration City of Raleigh Raleigh – Short‑Term Rentals Registration, spacing/occupancy limits, parking rules.
Sidewalk café Sidewalk Dining Permit City of Raleigh Raleigh – Sidewalk Dining Insurance, site plan, ADA clearance.
Signs Sign Permit City of Raleigh Raleigh – Sign Permits Separate permits for wall/monument/window signs.
Peddlers/vendors Peddler/Mobile Vendor permits City of Raleigh Raleigh – Vending & Peddler Permits Locations restricted; neighborhoods and times regulated.
Taxi/for‑hire For‑Hire Operator/Vehicle permits City of Raleigh Police Raleigh Police – For‑Hire Background checks; vehicle inspections.
Salon/barber shop Shop license; practitioner licenses NC Boards NC Cosmetic Arts and NC Barber Examiners Sanitation inspections; separate state licenses.
Childcare Child Care License NC DCDEE NC DCDEE – Licensing Facility/building/zoning standards apply.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you run into conflicting guidance between agencies (e.g., health vs. fire vs. zoning), ask for a coordination meeting. Call 919-996-2495 (City) and request an inter‑department check, and loop in Wake County Environmental Health at 919-856-7400. Document every requirement in writing to avoid rework.

Taxes and accounts you’ll likely need (NC + Wake County)

You need to be set up to collect and remit taxes legally from day one.

Table 3. Tax accounts and filings

Tax/Account Who needs it Where to register/file Key deadline(s)
Sales & Use Tax Sellers of taxable goods/services NCDOR – Business Registration Filing frequencies vary; due dates listed by NCDOR.
Prepared Food & Beverage Tax Restaurants/caterers in Wake County Wake County Tax portal (see county page) Monthly filings; see county instructions.
Room Occupancy Tax Hotels/STRs in Wake County Wake County Tax portal (see county page) Monthly filings; see county instructions.
Withholding Tax Employers NCDOR – Withholding Per NCDOR schedule.
Unemployment Insurance Employers NC DES – Employers Quarterly reports; see DES schedule.
Business Personal Property Businesses with equipment, fixtures Wake County Tax Admin Annual listing by January 31.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your POS or booking system can’t handle local taxes, switch to a provider with NC/Wake County tax support or work with a sales tax CPA to map items correctly. For filing issues, call NCDOR at 877-252-3052 or the Wake County tax office via the contact options on the county site.

Sector‑specific deep dives (Raleigh, NC)

Below are common sectors with the most questions. Each includes: how to apply, required documents, and official sources. Fees change—use the linked pages to confirm current dollar amounts and submittal details.

Food: restaurants, food trucks, caterers

Start here. Health permits and City approvals are often the longest lead items.

  • Health permits (Wake County): Plan review and pre‑opening inspection are required for most new or remodeled food establishments. See Wake County – Food, Lodging, and Institutions (official).
  • Grease interceptors and plumbing: Food prep often triggers interceptor requirements. Coordinate early with Raleigh Public Utilities and your design professional. See Raleigh – Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) (official; search “FOG”).
  • Certificate of Occupancy and building permits: Change of use and upfits require permits and final inspections. See Raleigh – Building Permits (official).
  • Outdoor seating: A Sidewalk Dining permit is required for public right‑of‑way seating. See Raleigh – Sidewalk Dining (official).

Documents you’ll likely need:

  • Menu and equipment list; scaled floor plan showing equipment and plumbing.
  • Commissary agreement (for mobile food units).
  • Zoning/use approval; CO; fire safety plan (for gas, hoods, etc.).

Real‑world example:

  • A food truck operating in Raleigh must have a permitted commissary (approved kitchen), a Wake County mobile food unit permit, and site permissions for each vending location. If you plan to vend in the right‑of‑way, follow City location rules. See Wake County – Mobile Food Units and Raleigh – Food Trucks (official).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If plan review comments keep bouncing back, schedule a joint meeting with your designer, Wake County Environmental Health (919-856-7400), and Raleigh Development Services (919-996-2495). Fixing layout early is cheaper than field changes.

Alcohol: beer, wine, and spirits

North Carolina centralizes alcohol permitting at the state ABC Commission. Local zoning verification is part of the process.

  • Choose your permits (on‑premises, off‑premises, mixed beverage, etc.). See NC ABC – Retail Permit Types (official).
  • Complete the application, background checks, and required local forms. Raleigh often needs to sign a zoning/use verification for your ABC packet.
  • Fees vary by permit type. See the official ABC Permit Fee Schedule (official) for exact dollar amounts.

Documents:

  • Lease/deed; floor plan; corporate/entity papers; responsible persons forms; fingerprints/background checks.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • For denials or delays tied to location or local objections, request guidance from ABC staff at 919-779-0700 and consult a North Carolina ABC attorney if needed. Sometimes adjusting hours/service areas or security plans resolves concerns.

Short‑term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) in Raleigh

Raleigh requires short‑term rental (STR) registration and enforces spacing, parking, and occupancy rules.

  • Register your STR: Raleigh – Short‑Term Rentals (official). Confirm current fees, caps, and rules.
  • Collect and remit state sales tax and Wake County occupancy tax. See NCDOR – Sales & Use Tax and Wake County’s occupancy tax page (search on wake.gov).
  • HOA/lease restrictions may prohibit STRs even if the City permits them—check your documents first.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your property isn’t eligible due to spacing or zoning, consider a mid‑term (30+ day) rental strategy or switch to a permitted district. For tax compliance, some platforms collect certain taxes but not all—verify with NCDOR and Wake County.

Signs and outdoor seating

Visible branding and seating can drive sales but require permits prior to installation.

  • Signs: Apply for a sign permit before fabrication/installation. See Raleigh – Sign Permits (official). Verify size, placement, lighting, and historic district rules.
  • Sidewalk dining: Requires a City permit for tables/chairs in the public right‑of‑way. Insurance and layout plans are needed. See Raleigh – Sidewalk Dining (official).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

Personal services (salons, barber shops, massage/bodywork)

These businesses require state board shop/facility licenses and inspections, not just individual practitioner licenses.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your layout can’t meet sanitation or partition requirements, ask your board about acceptable alternatives before you build out. Many boards provide pre‑opening walkthroughs upon request.

Child care licensing

Child care centers and family child care homes have stringent state requirements and local building/zoning conditions.

  • Start with NC DCDEE – Child Care Licensing (official). You’ll need orientation training, background checks, and facility approvals.
  • Coordinate with Raleigh for zoning and occupancy classification early. Child care uses can require specific life safety features.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your chosen site can’t meet child care building code standards (egress, fire safety), look for spaces built as schools/church/daycare to reduce retrofit costs. DCDEE consultants can suggest realistic pathways.

Real‑world examples (Raleigh scenarios)

Use these as roadmaps. Each includes the fastest order of operations with official links.

Example A: Home‑based online boutique (inside Raleigh city limits)

Plan B:

  • If your HOA or lease bans home businesses, consider a small office or coworking with proper CO. Talk to a broker about spaces already zoned for retail or office to avoid change‑of‑use delays.

Example B: Coffee shop with sidewalk seating (Downtown Raleigh)

Plan B:

  • If costs for grease/ventilation are too high, consider a “non‑cooking” concept (no Type I hood) or a second‑generation restaurant space with existing infrastructure.

Example C: Food truck based in Raleigh, vending across Wake County

  • Secure a commissary agreement with a permitted kitchen: Wake County – Mobile Food Units.
  • Obtain a Wake County mobile food unit permit and schedule inspections (truck and commissary).
  • Check City of Raleigh vending rules and location restrictions: Raleigh – Food Trucks. Some sites require property owner permission; right‑of‑way vending has special rules.
  • Sales tax registration: NCDOR – Business Registration.
  • Fire safety compliance (LP gas, extinguishers): Coordinate through Raleigh Fire via Development Services.

Plan B:

  • If you can’t find a commissary, look for shared commercial kitchens listed with Wake County Environmental Health or ask the Small Business Center network for leads.

Timelines, bottlenecks, and realistic budgeting

There’s no single timeline because it depends on your space, scope, and sector. Plan for permitting and inspections to take longer than you think—especially if construction is involved or you need multiple agencies to sign off.

  • Use pre‑submittal meetings to reduce resubmittals. City staff can flag code issues before formal review. Raleigh Development Services – Appointments (official).
  • Coordinate with Wake County health plan review early if you’re a food business. Health plan review can proceed in parallel with building permits, but kitchen layout changes can ripple through both.
  • ABC permits generally require your local approvals to be in place; plan the ABC package while construction finishes to compress the overall schedule. NC ABC – Permitting (official).

Table 4. Typical gating items and how to keep them moving

Gating item Why it delays opening How to speed it up (official resources)
Zoning/use approval Use not permitted; parking or spacing limits Pre‑lease zoning check: Raleigh – Zoning/Permits
CO and building permits Plan review cycles; inspections scheduling Request a pre‑submittal; hire an experienced local designer/GC
Health permit (food) Layout/equipment changes; missing commissary Early plan review: Wake County – Food Program
ABC permits Missing local signatures; background checks Start the packet early: NC ABC – Retail Permits
Signs/sidewalk dining Design conflicts with rules; missing insurance Check standards first: Raleigh – Sign Permits, Sidewalk Dining

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you’re up against a hard opening date, prioritize a “minimum viable opening” that meets code, then phase in non‑critical elements (e.g., open without the patio until the permit clears).

Cost planning: where the real money goes

Fees are only part of the cost. Expect spend on design, code upgrades, inspections, and time. Always verify dollar amounts on linked official pages.

Table 5. Common startup costs to budget (verify each on official pages)

Item Typical cost in NC/Raleigh Where to verify (official)
LLC formation filing Commonly $125 NC SOS – Fee Schedule
Assumed Business Name filing Historically $26 (per filing) Wake County ROD – Assumed Names
Health permit (restaurant) Varies by county/establishment Wake County – Food Program
ABC permits Varies by permit type NC ABC – Permit Fees
Sign permit Varies by sign type Raleigh – Sign Permits
Sidewalk dining permit Varies; insurance required Raleigh – Sidewalk Dining
Building permit/upfit Project‑dependent Raleigh – Building Permits

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If cash is tight, phase your build‑out, seek second‑generation spaces, and ask your landlord for tenant‑improvement contributions. Talk to Wake Tech Small Business Center about free financial planning sessions, and check City/County grant programs when available.

Common mistakes to avoid (Raleigh‑specific)

  • Signing a lease before a zoning and code feasibility check. Fix: Get a pre‑lease review with Development Services at 919-996-2495.
  • Assuming Raleigh has a general “business license.” Fix: Use the permit map in this guide and City links to identify your approvals.
  • Ignoring change‑of‑use triggers. Fix: Any shift (e.g., retail to food service) likely needs building and health upgrades.
  • Delaying sales tax registration until after opening. Fix: Register with NCDOR before your first taxable sale.
  • Buying a sign and then applying for a permit. Fix: Get sign permit approval first; designs often need tweaks.
  • Not coordinating ABC timelines with construction. Fix: Prepare the ABC packet while you finish local approvals.
  • Food trucks without commissaries. Fix: Secure a permitted commissary in Wake County before applying.
  • Short‑term rental hosts skipping occupancy tax registration. Fix: Confirm platform tax collection and register for any taxes they don’t collect.
  • Forgetting the January 31 business personal property listing deadline. Fix: Use calendar reminders and Wake County’s online portal.
  • Missing insurance and ADA requirements for sidewalk seating. Fix: Follow the Sidewalk Dining permit checklist.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you’ve already made a misstep, contact the responsible agency immediately (numbers in this guide). Most are willing to help you correct the issue without penalties if you act quickly and in good faith.

Inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility resources (Raleigh and NC)

Raleigh and North Carolina have targeted support, certifications, and services for underrepresented and diverse business owners.

  • Women‑owned and minority‑owned certification (state)
  • Veteran‑owned and service‑disabled veteran‑owned certification (federal)
  • HUBZone, 8(a), and WOSB federal certifications
  • City of Raleigh MWBE program and local contracting
  • Language access and ADA compliance resources

Resources and certifications:

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you’re not sure which certification fits, contact the NC HUB Office and the City MWBE program for a quick consult. For federal certifications, the NC APEX Accelerator can walk you through applications.

How to apply: documents and checklists

Use this section to assemble your packets efficiently.

  • Entity formation (NC SOS): Articles (LLC or corporation), registered agent information, filing fee payment method. Source: NC SOS – Business Registration (official).
  • Assumed Business Name (Wake ROD): Completed certificate, owner/entity info, filing fee. Source: Wake County ROD – Assumed Names (official).
  • NCDOR Business Registration: EIN, ownership info, NAICS code, start date, physical/mailing addresses. Source: NCDOR – Register a Business (official).
  • Wake County Food Establishment: Menu, equipment list, scaled floor plan, water/sewer info, commissary agreement (if mobile). Source: Wake County – Food Program (official).
  • NC ABC Retail: Entity/lease documents, floor plan, local government forms, background check, photos, permit fees. Source: NC ABC – Retail Permits (official).
  • City of Raleigh permits (CO, sign, sidewalk dining): Site plans, dimensions, insurance certificates (for right‑of‑way), contractor info. Source: Raleigh – Development Services & Permits (official).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your application keeps getting flagged as incomplete, ask the reviewer for a checklist specific to your project and request an examples packet from a successfully approved application of the same type (many agencies will share a redacted version).

Contacts directory (Raleigh/Wake/NC governments)

Keep these on hand. Use official pages for the latest phone trees and forms.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you can’t reach a live person, use the online portals and request callbacks or appointments—leave your entity name, address, and clear questions to speed replies. Consider visiting City Hall’s Development Services in person for complex plan issues.

Frequently asked questions (Raleigh/NC)

  • Does Raleigh require a general business license?
    No. The City does not issue a general business license for most businesses. You still need zoning/CO approvals and activity‑specific permits. Source: City of Raleigh – Permits Overview (official).
  • What is the combined sales tax rate in Wake County?
    Check the current combined state plus local rate on NCDOR – Sales and Use Tax Rates by County (official). Rates can change.
  • Do restaurants in Raleigh have to collect a special food tax?
    Yes. Wake County imposes a Prepared Food & Beverage Tax. Confirm the current rate and filing rules on the county site. Source: Wake County – Prepared Food & Beverage Tax (official; search on site).
  • How do I register a DBA (assumed business name) in Raleigh?
    File with the Wake County Register of Deeds and then the name is indexed statewide. Source: Wake County – Assumed Business Names (official).
  • How much does it cost to form an LLC in North Carolina?
    The filing fee is set by the Secretary of State. Historically $125, but always confirm the current fee on the NC SOS fee schedule (official).
  • Do I need a Certificate of Occupancy to open a small retail shop?
    Yes, if you’re a new tenant or changing use. Check with Raleigh Development Services or call 919-996-2495 to confirm what’s required (official).
  • Can I place a sandwich board sign on the sidewalk?
    Rules vary by district and right‑of‑way permissions. Apply for the appropriate sign permit and confirm allowed placements. Source: Raleigh – Sign Permits (official).
  • Do I need an ABC permit to serve beer at a private event at my business?
    Likely yes—depending on the event and service type. Start with NC ABC – Retail Permits or call 919-779-0700 (official).
  • I’m opening a barbershop—do I need a City license?
    The City doesn’t issue a general license, but you need a shop license from the state board and a City CO. Sources: NC Board of Barber Examiners and Raleigh – Permits (official).
  • What is the deadline to list business equipment for property tax in Wake County?
    The annual listing deadline is traditionally January 31; confirm on the Wake County Tax Administration site (official).

Plan B: If you hit roadblocks

  • Change the space, not your concept. Find second‑generation spaces that already have the right CO and infrastructure.
  • Adjust the concept to fit the space. For example, a bakery without a full kitchen might start as a wholesale/commissary production model with retail pickup.
  • Phase opening. Start with retail only while permits for on‑premise consumption or patios finalize.
  • Get help. Use BLNC at 800-228-8443, Wake Tech’s Small Business Center network, and experienced local designers/contractors.

Source list (official, verified August 2025)

About this guide

This guide focuses on the real approvals most Raleigh businesses need, with direct links to official government sources so you can act fast and avoid dead ends. It is written for practical use, not theory, and follows state and local rules as posted by agencies in August 2025. When specific dollar amounts or rates may change, we point you to the official fee schedule or tax page so you get the latest figures directly.

If you see something that looks outdated or a link that needs an update, use the City’s general line at 919-996-3000 or BLNC at 800-228-8443 to confirm and report corrections.

Disclaimer

Laws, regulations, fees, tax rates, deadlines, forms, and processes change. This guide is for general information only and is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant agency using the official links and phone numbers provided here. If you have specific legal or tax questions, consult a licensed North Carolina attorney or CPA.