For all municipal business license questions, contact: Department of Community Investment
227 West Jefferson Blvd • Suite 1400 S •South Bend, Indiana 46601 • 574.235.5912 • F: 574.235.9021
LICENSE APPLICATION FOR – SELF-SERVICE LAUNDRIES
MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION – 4-34
DEFINITION:
Self-service laundries or dry cleaners mean only those establishments which provide self-
operated washing or drying facilities and which are open and available to the general public. The
term does not include any establishments wherein the laundry services are performed by
employees of the operator of the laundry establishment, nor does this term include self-service
laundry facilities which are provided for or established in apartment or multiple-rental units, as
long as such self-service laundries are not open to the general public and are restricted in their
availability to the tenants or inhabitants of such apartment or multiple-rental units.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Print legibly and complete all sections to ensure efficient processing.
2. Assemble all required information and materials before filing application.
3. Thoroughly review all applicable Municipal Code Sections listed above.
4. Licenses expire January 31.
5. Add 10% to license fee for renewal after January 31.
6. Include $5.00 license application fee payable to City of South Bend.
7. The license fee payable to City of South Bend is a minimum annual license fee of $45.00 per
establishment or $3.00 for each washing machine, dryer, or combination washing machine-
dryer, or dry cleaning machine used in the establishment, whichever is higher (e.g. 1-15
machines is $45.00 per establishment or 15 plus machines is $3.00 per machine).
APPLICATION PROCESS:
1. Thoroughly review Municipal Code Section 4-34.
2. Submit Application with $5.00 Processing Fee.
3. Controller Approves or Denies License.
4. License issued upon approval and payment of the license fee.
5. Compliance with all requirements of Municipal Code Section 4-34.
6. Zoning verification by the Building Department.
7. Required inspection by the Fire Department.