Local permits & fees

Davidson County, TN — Commercial Kitchen Permits

Metro Public Health Department (Nashville/Davidson County) - Food Protection & Public Facilities Division · department site →

Fees change often — always confirm the current amount with the department before you budget.

Restaurant / food-facility permit

Food Service Establishment Permit (annual)

Fee not published online — contact the department.

Exact food service establishment permit fee NOT published online. Tennessee food service establishment permit fees are set under state rule (TN Dept of Health, rule 1200-23-01) and administered by Metro Public Health as a delegated metro health department. Online payment portal adds a 2.3% convenience fee. Contact 615-340-5616 / Lentz Public Health Center, 2500 Charlotte Ave.

Plan review — required

Fee not published online.

Plan-review details & forms →

Food truck / mobile permit

Mobile Food Unit Permit

Reported ~$210/yr (secondary source, getvendorloop) - NOT confirmed on nashville.gov; treat as unverified

All mobile food units operating in Davidson County must allow a green 'sign compliance' tag to be affixed to the exterior. Mobile unit plan review required.

How to apply

Apply / county portal →Forms & applications

Watch out for

Mobile food units must display a green 'sign compliance' tag placed by the health department on the exterior.
Permit fees are governed by TN state rule and not itemized on the Metro site; payment is via an online portal (+2.3% fee) or in person.

Tennessee statewide rules

Who licenses you, reciprocity, and the state regime.

What equipment you need

Build a tailored equipment checklist for your concept.

Permits & plan review, explained

The stack of approvals before you open.

Sources: www.nashville.gov · www.nashville.gov · www.nashville.gov · observed 2026-08-06