Local permits & fees

Chatham County, GA — Commercial Kitchen Permits

Chatham County Health Department Environmental Health (part of the Georgia Coastal Health District) · department site →
Fees change often — always confirm the current amount with the department before you budget.

Restaurant / food-facility permit

Food Service Permit
Fee not published online — contact the department.

Issued by the county health department under GA Rules 511-6-1. Fee is set by the county board of health and is not published online; contact Chatham County Environmental Health (912-356-2160). No fabricated amount.

Plan review — required

Fee not published online.

Turnaround: Georgia minimum plan-review timeframe is ~6 weeks after submission to the county health office

Plan-review details & forms →

Food truck / mobile permit

Mobile Food Service Unit Permit
Fee not published online — contact the department.

Since 2023 (GA HB 1443/rule change) operators need a permit only from their base county; must obtain authorization to vend in other counties. Base-of-operations/commissary agreement required. Fee not published.

Watch out for

  • Regulated locally under Georgia Food Service Rules Ch. 511-6-1; fees vary by county board of health and by facility risk type.
  • Plan review required for new establishments, ownership changes, and remodels before permitting.

Other food-service permits in this jurisdiction

CategoryAnnual feeNotes
catererRegulated as a Food Service Establishment under GA DPH Ch. 511-6-1 (Coastal Health District); no separate caterer category. County/district fee schedule not published online.
temporary/special-eventTemporary Food Service Establishment permit; vendor application due >=2 weeks before event. Fee not published on district site.
temporary food service event organizerSeparate organizer permit/application, due >=30 days before event. Fee not published on district site.
Sources: www.savannahga.gov · coastalhealthdistrict.org · dph.georgia.gov · observed 2026-08-07