Local permits & fees

Philadelphia County, PA — Commercial Kitchen Permits

Philadelphia Department of Public Health - Office of Food Protection · department site →
Fees change often — always confirm the current amount with the department before you budget.

Restaurant / food-facility permit

Food Establishment Retail, Permanent Location License
239

$239/yr for up to 5,000 sq ft; $599/yr over 5,000 sq ft. A non-refundable $20 application fee is deducted from the total (remainder due on approval). Late renewal (>60 days past due) adds 1.5% of the license fee per month. A separate Commercial Activity License ($300) is also required for all Philadelphia businesses.

Plan review — required

Fee not published online.

Turnaround: ~30 business days for preliminary review + fee-assessment letter; expedited ~10 business days

Plan-review details & forms →

Food truck / mobile permit

Food Establishment Retail, Non-Permanent Location License (mobile)
165

$165/yr license; mobile plan review $150; initial health inspection (truck + commissary) $190; reinspection $100 if failed; expedited service +$380. Commercial Activity License ($300/yr) also required. Center City vending-zone parking (optional, via lottery) ~$2,750/yr.

Watch out for

  • Every food business also needs a citywide Commercial Activity License before operating.
  • Mobile vendors must document a licensed commissary/base of operations as part of plan review.

Other food-service permits in this jurisdiction

CategoryAnnual feeNotes
caterer"Food Caterer License" (permanent-location food preparation for catering); $20 non-refundable application fee applied toward the license fee; balance due on approval.
market/grocery with deli$239 (up to 5,000 sq ft) + $20 application"Food Establishment Retail, Permanent Location License" for grocery, drug store, or market.
food processing/wholesale"Food Manufacturer License" to manufacture, process, or wholesale food; $20 non-refundable application fee applied toward license fee.
temporary/seasonal/special-eventSpecial-event food/beverage plan review and Farmers Market operation handled by Dept of Public Health; "Food Preparation and Serving License" covers restaurants/delis/caterers preparing or serving food.
Sources: www.phila.gov · www.phila.gov · www.phila.gov · phifta.org · observed 2026-08-06