Locally administered by the Northern Kentucky Health Department under the statewide permit-and-fee regulation 902 KAR 45:110. NKY's published seating-based fees are higher than the state regulation's base seating charges because NKY layers its own local fee structure. Permits are annual.
The NKY food permits page does not restate a mobile fee, but the statewide regulation 902 KAR 45:110 (which NKY administers) sets the Statewide Mobile Food Unit permit at $200/year and a mobile retail food store at $60/year; a Statewide Mobile Food Unit permit carries statewide reciprocity. A commissary/base of operations is required. Confirm which category applies with NKY (859-341-4151).
| Category | Annual fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Caterer | $135 (Catering operation) | Catering is a distinct add-on fee on the NKY food permits schedule / 902 KAR 45:110. |
| Grocery / market with deli | Retail food outlet by square footage: $90 (up to 1,000 sq ft); $155 (1,001-10,000); $215 (10,001-20,000); $250 (20,001-30,000); $375 (over 30,000). | NKY 'Retail Food Outlets' category, priced by square footage (mirrors 902 KAR 45:110). |
| Bakery / food processing | null - not broken out with its own fee; a retail bakery is permitted either as a Food Service Establishment (by seating) or a Retail Food Outlet (by square footage, $90-$375). Confirm classification with NKY (859-341-4151). | No dedicated bakery line; classification depends on operation type. |
| Temporary / seasonal event | $60 (1-3 days); $90 (4-7 days); $125 (8-14 days). Under 902 KAR 45:110, farmers-market temporary is $100 and a restricted food concession is $125/year. | NKY 'Temporary Food Outlets' category by number of days. |
| Pushcart / mobile vending | $200 (Statewide Mobile Food Unit, per 902 KAR 45:110); $60 (mobile retail food store, per 902 KAR 45:110) | NKY page does not restate a mobile fee; amounts are from statewide 902 KAR 45:110 which NKY administers. Statewide Mobile Food Unit permit carries reciprocity; commissary required. Confirm with NKY (859-341-4151). |