The following licenses, permits, and registrations are handled by the City Clerk's Office:

Please email applications to grace.bandstra@cityofames.org

• Alcohol Licenses 
• Banner Permits
  • Banner Policy [PDF]
  • Permit Application [PDF]
  • 2025 Schedule of displays over Main Street
• Cigarette/Tobacco Permits
  
• Encroachment Permits
• Fireworks Permits 
• Garbage Hauler Licenses 
• Ice Cream Truck
• Newspaper Dispenser Permits & Regulations [PDF]
• Pawnbroker's and Precious Metals Dealer's Permits [PDF]
• Peddler/Solicitor/Transient Merchant Permits (when operating on private property) 
  • Transient Merchant Permits relating to Temporary Fireworks Sales
• Sidewalk Cafe Permits 
• Special Events
  •  Special Event Public Safety Plan
• Temporary Obstruction Permits (when portions of a public right-of-way will be blocked temporarily)
• Temporary Sidewalk Signs (only allowed in Downtown Service Center & Campustown Service Center Districts)
• Tree Surgeon's Licenses  
• Vending Licenses (for selling on public property other than parks) 
• Vendor Cooking Requirements

Activities not requiring permits:

• Busking (street entertainment):
  • Buskers Registration Form [PDF]
  • Information about Busking in Ames 
• Itinerant Merchant Registration Form (for door-to-door sales in commercial zones or by permanent local organizations) [PDF]

For information on acquiring permits not listed, please click here.

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