Kentucky food-establishment permit fees are set by STATE regulation 902 KAR 45:110 and collected/administered by the local health department (LFCHD). The regulation also references a base annual fee component ($125); confirm the exact total with LFCHD (859) 231-9791. Establishments inspected twice per year.
Statewide mobile food units register with LFCHD at least 48 hours before setting up at a location. State permit fees per 902 KAR 45:110; local registration fee per LFCHD. Commissary generally required.
| Category | Annual fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| caterer | +$135 (catering add-on to the food service establishment permit) | Per 902 KAR 45:110, catering is a charge added to the base food service permit rather than a stand-alone license. |
| commissary / central preparation kitchen | null - not broken out as a separate category in 902 KAR 45:110; a commissary is permitted as a food service or retail food establishment. Confirm classification with LFCHD. | No distinct commissary fee tier published. |
| bakery / food processing | Retail bakery = retail food store by square footage: 0-1,000 sq ft $90; 1,001-10,000 $155; 10,001-20,000 $215; 20,001-30,000 $250; 30,001+ $375 | Retail bakeries fall under the retail food store schedule; wholesale food manufacturing is regulated by the KY Dept of Agriculture, not LFCHD. |
| bar / limited food service | Food service establishment by seating: 1-25 seats $75; 26-50 $125; 51-100 $155; 101-200 $185; 201+ $215 | A bar serving food is permitted on the food service establishment seating schedule (902 KAR 45:110). |
| grocery / market with deli | Retail food store by square footage: 0-1,000 sq ft $90; 1,001-10,000 $155; 10,001-20,000 $215; 20,001-30,000 $250; 30,001+ $375 | Grocery/market permitted as a retail food store; an in-store deli/food prep may add a food service establishment component. |
| temporary / seasonal event | Temporary food service: 1-3 days $60; 4-7 days $90; 8-14 days $125. Farmer's market $100/yr | 501(c)(3) nonprofits exempt from fees. |
| pushcart / mobile vending | Statewide Mobile Food Unit $200/yr; Mobile retail food store $60/yr; LFCHD mobile registration $100/yr or $25/location | State permit fee per 902 KAR 45:110 plus local LFCHD registration. |