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1. Who needs a Solicitor’s Permit?

A Solicitor’s Permit (PDF) is required for any individual or organization that takes orders for the sale of goods, wares and merchandise or other personal property for future delivery or for services to be furnished or performed in the future. You may turn this form into the City Clerk's office.

2. How do I get permission to hold a block party?

To obtain permission to hold a neighborhood block party an individual must make a request in writing to the City Clerk. The request must include the date of the event, time frame, contact person and exact location of the event (including names of cross streets). Additionally, the neighborhood must abide by the following:

• Abide by noise ordinance
• All streets to be blocked will be blocked so that emergency equipment such as police, fire, ambulance can enter if needed
• If alcoholic beverages are served, it must be done in compliance with local and state ordinances
• A time limit of 11 p.m. (This includes any tear down time)

Barricades are available upon request from the Department of Streets and Equipment at 329-4444.  View the Block Party page for more information.

3. How do I get a liquor license for a bar or restaurant?

Liquor licenses must have a specific property associated with them before the application process may commence.  File an application with the City of Portage along with a fee of $850, and file an application with the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission along with an inspection fee of $70.  There are other fees charged by the state depending on the type of license(s) being sought and services being provided.  The State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission has a listing of all Class C liquor licenses available in the County which is what you will need to serve alcohol in your place of business. 

You may transfer a license into Portage from another municipality, and some licenses can be found in escrow.  Liquor licenses are a commodity and have a market price associated with them, and the State currently offers Class C Licenses for $20,000 if locating within a Downtown Development Authority (DDA).  Resort Licenses for qualified applicants are also available.  The only DDA in Portage is located generally along Westnedge Avenue north of I-94 and south of Kilgore Road.  You may call the Michigan State Liquor Control Commission for further information at 517-322-1400.

4. How do I get a beer and wine liquor license?

Liquor licenses must have a specific property associated with them before the application process may commence.  File an application with the City of Portage, and file an application with the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission along with an inspection fee of $70.  There are other fees charged by the state depending on the type of license(s) being sought and services being provided. 

The State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission has a listing of all Specially Designated Merchant (SDM) liquor licenses available in the County.  You may transfer a license into Portage from another municipality, and some licenses can be found in escrow.  Liquor licenses are a commodity and have a market price associated with them.  

5. How do I get a packaged (SDD) liquor license?

Liquor licenses must have a specific property associated with them before the application process may commence.  File an application with the City of Portage, and file an application with the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission along with an inspection fee of $70.  There are other fees charged by the state depending on the type of license(s) being sought and services being provided. 

The State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission has a listing of all Specially Designated Distributor (SDD) liquor licenses available in the County.  You may transfer a license into Portage from another municipality, and some licenses can be found in escrow.  Liquor licenses are a commodity and have a market price associated with them.