Anchorage is one of the few Alaska municipalities that operates its own delegated food program (AMC 16.60) rather than using the statewide Alaska DEC schedule (DEC's schedule, applied elsewhere in AK, is seating-based: 0-25 seats $400 / 26-100 $490 / 100+ $580). Anchorage's own annual permit is risk-based. Amounts are from the AHD Environmental Health Services Fee Schedule (Edited 07/31/2021, carried in AO 2025-114). AO No. 2025-114 was adopted by the Assembly (Nov 2025) amending the food code and fee/risk provisions - confirm current-year amounts with AHD (907-343-4200).
Turnaround: Plans must be submitted and approved before construction; a passing opening inspection is required before serving the public
Mobile food vendors and food carts are permitted as Food Establishments on the same Risk Type schedule (no separate mobile fee line). A commissary letter and plan review are required before the opening inspection.
| Category | Annual fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Caterer | Risk Type 1 $260 / Type 2 $460 / Type 3 $660 (annual) | Anchorage does not break out caterers separately - they are permitted as a Food Establishment on the Risk Type schedule (AMC 16.60). Confirm assigned risk type with AHD. |
| Commissary / central preparation kitchen | Risk Type 1 $260 / Type 2 $460 / Type 3 $660 (annual) | Permitted as a Food Establishment by Risk Type; no separate commissary fee line. |
| Bakery / food processing | Risk Type 1 $260 / Type 2 $460 / Type 3 $660 (annual) | Permitted as a Food Establishment by Risk Type based on the operations performed; no separate bakery category. |
| Bar / limited food service | Risk Type 1 $260 / Type 2 $460 / Type 3 $660 (annual) | A bar with limited food is permitted on the Risk Type schedule (typically the lower Risk Type 1). Confirm risk type with AHD. |
| Grocery / market with deli | Risk Type 1 $260 / Type 2 $460 / Type 3 $660 (annual) | Grocery/market permitted by Risk Type; an in-store deli/food-prep area raises the risk type. Vending machines = 75% of Risk Type 1 (~$195). |
| Temporary / seasonal event | Single event: 1 day $35; 2-4 days $50; 5-21 days $75. Seasonal temporary: Risk Type 1 $130 / Type 2 $230 / Type 3 $330 | AHD Environmental Health Services Fee Schedule; Temporary Food Establishment application (prior Event Coordinator approval required). |
| Pushcart / mobile vending | Risk Type 1 $260 / Type 2 $460 / Type 3 $660 (annual) | Food carts/mobile vendors permitted as Food Establishments on the Risk Type schedule; commissary letter and plan review required. |