foodservicenerd
Local permits & fees

Norfolk city, VA — Commercial Kitchen Permits

Norfolk Department of Public Health (Virginia Department of Health - Norfolk Health District), Environmental Health Program · department site →
Fees change often — always confirm the current amount with the department before you budget.

Restaurant / food-facility permit

Food Establishment Permit
$40 (annual) - source https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/norfolk/permits/ ; statewide flat fee per https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/food-safety-in-virginia/foodapplication/

AUTHORITY: Norfolk is an independent city; food establishments are permitted by the Virginia Department of Health (Norfolk Health District) using Virginia's flat statewide $40 fee.

Plan review — required

$40 (plan review, submitted with the Food Establishment Permit Application to the local health department) - source https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/norfolk/permits/

Plan-review details & forms →

Food truck / mobile permit

Mobile Unit Permit
$40 (Virginia flat food establishment permit); a Mobile Unit Permit application/checklist applies - source https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/norfolk/permits/

The mobile unit permit fee is not separately itemized; Virginia's flat $40 permit schedule applies and a commissary is required.

How to apply

Forms & applications

Watch out for

  • State-administered (VDH Norfolk Health District) - Virginia uses a FLAT $40 food establishment permit and $40 plan review statewide.
  • Temporary Food Permit / Risk Assessment Fee $40; Dumpster Permit $50.
  • Food Handler Card $15; Certified Food Manager course $175 (retest $25).
  • Environmental Health Program: 830 Southampton Ave, Norfolk; 757-683-2712.

Other food-service permits in this jurisdiction

CategoryAnnual feeNotes
Temporary / seasonal event$40 (Temporary Food Permit / Risk Assessment Fee) - source https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/norfolk/permits/Virginia statewide flat fee applied by the VDH Norfolk Health District.
Pushcart / mobile vending$40 (Virginia flat food establishment permit; Mobile Unit Permit) - source https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/norfolk/permits/Mobile unit fee not separately itemized; the flat $40 VA permit applies and a commissary is required.
Virginia statewide rules
Who licenses you, reciprocity, and the state regime.
What equipment you need
Build a tailored equipment checklist for your concept.
Permits & plan review, explained
The stack of approvals before you open.
Sources: www.vdh.virginia.gov · www.vdh.virginia.gov · www.vdh.virginia.gov · observed 2026-08-07