Permitting follows the statewide NC Food Code and 15A NCAC 18A .2600, administered by Guilford County Environmental Health. Food & Lodging division: (336) 641-3771; manager Shelby McLean (336) 641-4811.
Turnaround: null - specific turnaround not published; plan review required for all new or remodeled construction before permitting
NC Mobile Food Units require an approved commissary/base of operation. Temporary Food Establishment (TFE) and Limited Food Service Establishment (LFSE) each $75. ServSafe testing $60.
| Category | Annual fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Caterer | — | Permit required for preparing high-risk food (meat, fish, eggs, cut leafy greens/fruit/vegetables/cheese) for immediate consumption (catering). NC state-issued permit; no county annual fee published. |
| Pushcart/limited operation | — | Push carts require a Guilford County Public Health permit and must return daily to a permitted commissary. NC state-issued permit; no county annual fee published. |
| Commissary/central kitchen | — | Referenced as base of operations for mobile units/push carts and for TFE food prep (TFE commissary permit allows prep up to 7 days before event). No separate county fee published. |
| Temporary/seasonal/special-event | $75 (non-refundable) | Temporary Food Establishment (TFE) permit; operates <=21 days in one location tied to a fair/carnival/event; application due 30 days prior. Mobile units/push carts with a valid NC permit may qualify to operate a single-day event without the fee if approved. |