The permit fee is set uniformly by NC (per the state EHS Inspections, Statistics & Fees Unit). NC food establishment permits are continuous (no separate annual renewal fee); the significant local cost is the required plan review below.
Turnaround: Allow at least ~3 weeks from submittal; submit permit application at least 30 days before opening
Pushcart plan review is $100. A commissary is generally required for mobile units and pushcarts. Fee schedule reviewed is FCDPH 'effective September 1, 2020'.
| Category | Annual fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| temporary/special-event | $75.00 (Temporary Food Establishment Fee) | Per FCDPH fee schedule effective 9/1/2020. |
| pushcart/mobile vending | Pushcart plan review $100.00; Mobile Food Unit plan review $150.00 (plus the $120 NC state permit fee) | Commissary generally required; fees from FCDPH fee schedule. |
| grocery/market (seafood market) | $0.00 (Seafood Market Annual Permit Fee) | FCDPH fee schedule lists a Seafood Market annual permit at $0.00; markets otherwise operate under the NC $120 state food-establishment permit. No separate caterer/commissary/bakery/deli/bar categories are broken out on the county fee schedule. |