City Clerk's Office

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

• Banner Permits:
• Banner Policy
• Permit Application
• 2010 Schedule of displays over Main Street
• Beer Permits
• Cigarette/Tobacco Permits
• Encroachment Permits
  (for items of a fixed character which are "upon, over or under" the surface of any street, alley, sidewalk or City-owned property)
• Fireworks Permits
• Garbage Hauler Licenses
• House Mover's License
  (The permit for each specific job is obtained through the Inspections Division)
• Itinerant Precious Metals Dealer's Permits
• Liquor Licenses (retail)
• Newspaper Dispenser Permits & Regulations
• Pawnbroker's and Precious Metals Dealer's Permits
• Road Race Licenses
  (for foot races or bike races on city streets)
• Sidewalk Cafe Permits

• Special Events:

  • Special Event Information Sheet
  • Special Event Regulations
• Temporary Obstruction Permits
  (when portions of a public right-of-way will be blocked temporarily)
• Transient Merchant's / Peddler's / Solicitor's Permits 
  (when operating on private property)
• Tree Surgeon's Licenses
• Vending Licenses
  (for selling on public property other than parks)
• Wine or Native Wine Permits

Activities not requiring permits:

• Busking (street entertainment):

  • Registration Form
  • Information about Busking in Ames

• Itinerant Merchant Registration Form
  (for door-to-door sales in commercial zones or by permanent local organizations)

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