Every food facility pays a $155 application fee plus a risk-tiered permit fee (totals shown). Fees set by the Board of Supervisors (County Code Ch. 8.04). Verified from Kern EH Food Fees schedule.
Turnaround: Not published; Plan Review must be completed before applying for the health permit.
Most MFFs must use a commissary; a signed Commissary Use Agreement is required before the permit is issued. Single-event mobile/TFF tiers (MF18-20) run $65-$120.
| Category | Annual fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| caterer | — | No distinct caterer permit line; caterers permitted as a Food Facility (by risk) with a commissary. Fee schedule is risk-based, not type-named |
| commissary/central kitchen | $945 | Non-Dedicated Commissary (MC01): Permit Fee $945 (Total new $1,100 incl. $155 application; renewal total $627.50) |
| bakery | — | No separate bakery permit; per Kern ordinance definition, bakeries are permitted under 'Food Facility - Market' risk categories (see market/grocery entry) |
| market/grocery with deli | $265 | Food Facility - Market Permit Fee: Low Risk $265 (total $420), Moderate $520 (total $675), High $795 (total $950). Certified Farmer's Market $395 (total $550). Definition of Market includes markets, bakeries, and food processors |
| temporary/seasonal/special-event | $205 | Temporary Food Facility Permit Fee: Low $205, Moderate $240, High $295 (add $155 application). Single Event: Low $65 / Moderate $90 / High $120. Community event organizer: Small (1-5 vendors) $360, Medium (6-15) $465, Large (16+) $630 (permit fee) |
| pushcart/limited operation | $155 | Limited Prepackaged - Non PHF (FL01): Permit Fee $155 (total $310). Push carts are permitted as Mobile Food Facility low risk (permit fee $175) |
| food processing/wholesale | — | No separate wholesale/food-processing permit; per ordinance definition food processors are permitted under 'Food Facility - Market' risk categories (see market/grocery entry) |