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Licensing

Show All Answers

1. Do I Have To License My Business?

The following business types are licensed by the Town of Provincetown:

• • Retail (including Art Galleries) • Liquor Establishments • Common Victuallers • Entertainment Establishments • Lodging (Inns & Guesthouses) • Rentals (weekly, seasonal & year-round) • Taxi and Pedicab Vehicles and Operators • Parking lots • Marijuana Establishments

Additionally the Health Department issues food service permits to all businesses that serve food (including caterers). 

2. When does my license expire?

Taxi Operator licenses expire one year from the day of issuance. ALL other licenses expire on December 31st of each year.

3. How do I pay for my license?

Currently you must pay with cash, check or credit card in our office. You may apply and pay for your license(s) on-line by clicking this link: https://provincetownma.viewpointcloud.com/.  Please do NOT create a new license application if you are renewing a license!  If you do not see a way to renew your license please contact the Licensing Agent at lfiorella@provincetown-ma.gov.  Payment is due before you can schedule your inspection.

4. What happens if I open without licensing my business?

Opening your business without licensing, or renewing your license is a violation of General By-Laws 8-2, 8-7 & 8-8. Violation of these by-laws will result in fines of up to $300 per day in addition to paying double the current licensing fees.

5. Where can I find a copy of the current Licensing Rules & Regulations?

The licensing section of the town website has the current regulations that can be viewed and/or downloaded. 

6. What forms do I need to fill out to renew my business license?

You will need to apply for your licenses on the permitting software. Click on the following link: https://provincetownma.viewpointcloud.com/

Additional documentation that may be needed: worker’s compensation certificate from your insurer, and/or fire inspection report filled out and submitted a certified electrician. If your hours of operation, emergency contact information or floor plan (seating plan) have changed you should also submit new versions. 

7. What forms do I need to fill out to license my new business?

You will need to apply on the permitting software at the following link: https://provincetownma.viewpointcloud.com/

 Additional documentation may also be needed including: articles of incorporation or a business certificate, a floor plan (or seating plan for restaurant), a worker’s compensation certificate from your insurer, and possibly a fire inspection report filled out and submitted by a certified electrician. 

8. Do I need a Transient Vendor License from the State?

Not every business needs a transient vendor license. The general rule is as follows: if you are a sole proprietor (i.e. not incorporated) and you run a seasonal business you probably need to get a transient vendor’s license from the Massachusetts Department of Standards. The Town of Provincetown no longer charges an additional fee for a town transient license but you would be required to have, and renew on a yearly basis, the State Transient Vendor License.

9. How do I apply for a Food Service Permit

Food service permits are issued by the Department of Health. You can contact the Health Agent by email her at lrowell@provincetown-ma.gov.

10. How can I turn in my forms?

You may turn in your forms to the Licensing Agent in person at the office of Community Development on the first floor of Town Hall, email them to the Licensing Agent at lfiorella@provincetown-ma.gov, fax them to 508-487-0032 or mail them attention Licensing Department at 260 Commercial St., Provincetown, MA 02657 or by uploading them into your application in the permitting software.

11. I have turned in my forms and paid the licensing fees, what is the next step?

After you have turned in your licensing forms and paid your fee you must have a building inspection. These inspections are scheduled through the Licensing Agent at 508-487-7000 ext. 535. or can be requested by commenting in the permitting software.

Businesses with Food Permits are also inspected annually by the Health Department and those inspections are not scheduled. Please schedule your initial inspection with the Licensing Agent (lfiorella@provincetown-ma.gov).

12. What do I need for my retail licensing inspection?

You will need a current fire extinguisher as well as working emergency lights, exit lights and fire alarms.

13. What is a Fire Inspection Report? Do I need one for my business?

A fire inspection report is simply a test of your fire alarm system performed by a licensed electrician. It gets submitted to the town Fire Department and Department of Community Development by the electrician when complete. You may also submit a copy given to you by the electrician.

If you are part of a larger complex which has a hardwired fire alarm system, you will need a fire inspection report from your landlord's electrician to submitted with your yearly licensing application. Otherwise, if you have battery operated fire alarms (similar to those used in homes), you do not need an inspection report, the town inspector will test them during your licensing inspection.

Ultimately you are responsible for the fire alarm inspection if your business/unit has an alarm system that is hard wired. If that is the situation you must call your electrician or landlord to test that system each season you license your business.

14. I have moved my business do I have to notify the Town?

Yes. Please be sure to point out to the Licensing Agent before you submit your renewal that the address information has changed. 

15. When can I renew my business licenses?

We are happy to accommodate your schedule when renewing your business license. You can submit your renewals as early as September! You'll receive automated emails from the permitting software letting you know that renewal season has begun. We urge you not to wait until you are ready to open. The beginning of the season is a busy time for everyone, don't let your licensing slip through the cracks. Opening your business unlicensed will result in fines!

The Licensing Department suggests you renew your license before it expires on December 31st of each year. Most businesses may schedule their building inspections at any time after submitting and paying for their renewal.

16. Where do I apply for a marriage license?

Marriage licenses are issued by the Town Clerk’s Office on the main floor of Town Hall 508-487-7000.

17. How do I apply for a Renter’s Certificate? What are the fees?

You may apply online at: https://provincetownma.viewpointcloud.com/ and clicking on the Rental Certificates category or you may download and fill out the Renter’s Application.  If you fill out the paper application, you should submit it to the Office of Community Development. The fees are $300 per unit and the certificate is good for 3 years. If you have any questions, please contact Aaron Hobart at ahobart@provincetown-ma.gov.

18. How do I apply for a one-day/special entertainment license?

Simply complete the application online at https://provincetownma.viewpointcloud.com/ . Under the Licensing category look for Special Entertainment License. There will be fees for this application as well as for the legal ad that will be placed by the Licensing Agent in the local paper on your behalf. You will receive an abutter letter from the licensing agent which must be sent out to all people on the abutter’s list which will be uploaded into your application in the permitting software. The licensing agent can also email the list to you along with the letter. Ask the licensing agent the procedure for sending out the abutter letter and submit proof of mailing to the licensing agent no later than a day before the Licensing Board meeting that you will attend to obtain your license.

19. How do I apply for a one-day/special alcohol license?

Simply complete the application online at https://provincetownma.viewpointcloud.com/ . Under the Licensing category look for Special Alcohol License. There will be fees for this application as well as for the legal ad that will be placed by the Licensing Agent in the local paper on your behalf. You will also need to submit a site plan of the location showing areas of alcohol service and a copy of the identification of the responsible party.

You will receive an abutter letter from the licensing agent which must be sent out to all people on the abutter’s list which will be uploaded into your application in the permitting software. The licensing agent can also email the list to you along with the letter. Ask the licensing agent the procedure for sending out the abutter letter and submit proof of mailing to the licensing agent no later than a day before the Licensing Board meeting that you will attend to obtain your license.

20. Do I need a Special Food Permit for my event?

If you’re representing an organization holding an event which serves food to the public, you must have a special food service permit. It does not matter whether you will be charging for the food or providing it for free. There is no cost for this permit. You may find the application by CLICKING HERE. If you have any questions please contact the health agent at lrowell@provincetown-ma.gov.

21. What are the pedicab fares in Provincetown?

Pedicab fares in Provincetown are negotiated with the driver. There are no set fees.

22. If I'm renewing my taxi license do I need a CORI report?

Yes, all taxi applications whether new or renewal need a CORI report from the State of Massachusetts.

23. Who can I speak to about a noise problem/complaint?

If you have a noise complaint about a person or business you should contact the Provincetown Police Department at 508-487-1212.

24. Are food trucks allowed in Provincetown?

Food trucks and other mobile food units (food carts, grills on the street, etc.) are not allowed in Provincetown per Zoning Bylaws.

25. How do I obtain a busker (street performer) license?

Busker licenses are issued by the Provincetown Police Department, 508-487-1212.

26. How do I get permission to have a fire on the beach in Provincetown?

Bonfires are not allowed on Provincetown beaches. You may however contact the National Seashore at (508-487-1256) or at https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm regarding fire permits for Seashore beaches.