Application fee ($385) due at application; license fee due after Health Department approval. Retail-only (grocery/market) tiers are lower ($230-$1,005). License expires 1 year from issuance. Issued by Office of the City Clerk License Division (414-286-2238).
Turnaround: License issuance typically several weeks from application; overall processing may run 3-8 weeks or longer. A pre-opening inspection is required prior to opening.
MFE plan review through MHD is the required first step; food peddler/mobile license through City Clerk. Mobile fee amounts other than the $175 base could not be directly verified on an official .gov page.
| Category | Annual fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Retail food establishment (food store) - no processing | approx. $230 (<=$20k gross sales) up to ~$1,005 ($2,000,001+) | City of Milwaukee Food Dealer License, weighted by gross annual receipts. |
| Retail food establishment with food processing | approx. $400 up to ~$2,350 | Weighted by gross annual receipts; higher tier for on-site processing. |
| Micro Market | $40 (single); $60 for two or more at same address | Unstaffed indoor self-service, automated payment; excludes vending machines. |
| Bed & Breakfast | $200 | |
| Mobile Peddler Food Base | $175 | Base/commissary license for mobile peddlers. |
| Wholesale / food processing (manufacturer / warehouse) | — | Requires WI DATCP Processing Plant or Food Warehouse license (state), not a city food dealer license. |
| Temporary event food license | — | Separate temporary event food dealer license (ccl-foodtemp). |