ABC Review and Inspections

To obtain an ABC license for a business, you must meet all requirements from the NC ABC Commission and apply for an ABC permit.

If your business is in the City of Raleigh, please follow the steps below in order to successfully process your ABC license application.

Step One: Submit the Inspection Zoning Compliance Form

Most of the required documents will be submitted to the state. For the City of Raleigh, applicants only need to complete Section A of the Inspection Zoning Compliance Form and email it to zoningpermits@raleighnc.gov.

When filling out Section A, be sure to list the “Type of Establishment” based on the principal use described in the Unified Development Ordinance (Sec. 6.1.4).

• If that use has not been legally established, you may need to apply for a Change of Use (if permitted) and/or a Business Use/Occupancy before your form can be approved.

To prevent delays, make sure the “Type of Establishment” for your location has already been legally established. You can confirm this by searching for existing permits, plans, inspections, code cases, requests, and licenses in the City of Raleigh Permit and Development Portal. If the use is not properly established, the ABC Review and Inspections process cannot move forward until it is corrected.

Step Two: Application Review and Payment

Once your form is submitted, City of Raleigh zoning staff will review your application to ensure the business use has been legally established at the location you listed.

Once Zoning has approved the application, all fees will need to be paid for the City of Raleigh permit:

To make payment and track the progress of your application, visit the Permit and Development Portal.

To make your payment over the phone, please call 919-996-2500.

Step Three: Scheduling inspections

Once payment has been made, please go to the Permit and Development Portal to schedule your building and fire inspections. If you need further assistance, please contact 919-996-2500.

Step Four: Raleigh Police Department

After all inspections are completed, a digital copy of the form will be sent to the Police Department, which will finalize the application process. The Raleigh Police Department (RPD) will handle background checks, local opinion forms, and related requirements. If you need to contact RPD, please call 919-996-5130.

Required Documents for Processing the Local Government Opinion Form:

1. Local Certified Background Check on Applicant
   Obtainable from the Wake County Clerk of Courts or an equivalent local resource.
2. Diagram of the Premises
   Include a clear indication of where alcohol will be stored (a hand-drawn diagram is acceptable).
3. NETFORCES Information Request Form
   Complete the fillable PDF with as much detail as possible, especially contact information.
4. Copy of Signed Lease Agreement

These documents can be submitted in one of two ways:

• Email: Scan and send to eric.hill@raleighnc.gov.
• Drop-Off: Deliver to 1221 Front St., Raleigh, NC.

It is recommended that you submit these documents before your inspections are completed.

Once all required City approvals are obtained, RPD will contact you to collect your approval packet, which you will need to present to the NC ABC Commission.