Local permits & fees

Polk County, IA — Commercial Kitchen Permits

Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL) - Food & Consumer Safety Bureau; licenses statewide (Polk County is a contract inspection jurisdiction). State fee schedule. · department site →
Fees change often — always confirm the current amount with the department before you budget.

Restaurant / food-facility permit

Food Service Establishment License (state DIAL)
$150 (annual gross sales < $100,000) / $300 ($100,000-$500,000) / $400 (> $500,000)

State fee schedule (Iowa Code Ch. 137F / IAC 481-30.7). New applications and renewals that don't report prior-year gross sales pay the maximum $400. At least one certified food protection manager (CFPM) required.

Plan review — required

null - Iowa charges no fee for plan review (per DIAL / contract-county guidance); plan review is still required for new construction or remodels affecting food prep. Apply at least 30 days before opening.

Plan-review details & forms →

Food truck / mobile permit

Mobile Food Unit License (state DIAL)
$250 per year (single statewide license)

Licensed in the county where the unit is stored and serviced (not necessarily where it operates). Commissary/base of operations required.

Watch out for

  • State DIAL fee schedule applies statewide; Polk County performs inspections under contract with DIAL.
  • No fee is charged for plan review in Iowa (review still required for new/remodeled prep facilities).
  • Mobile food units get a single $250/yr statewide license (one license, one inspection process).
  • At least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) required; new licensing system SAFHER launches Oct 2026.

Other food-service permits in this jurisdiction

CategoryAnnual feeNotes
Grocery / market with deli$150 (annual gross sales < $250,000) / $300 ($250,000-$750,000) / $400 (> $750,000) (Retail Food Establishment license)State DIAL Retail Food Establishment fee tiers (grocery/market); distinct from the Food Service Establishment (restaurant) tiers.
Pushcart / mobile vending$250 per year (Mobile Food Unit license, statewide)Single statewide DIAL license; licensed in the county where the unit is stored/serviced.
Temporary / seasonal eventnull - Iowa Temporary Food Establishment license (operating <=14 consecutive days at a fair/festival/event) fee not confirmed against DIAL's published schedule; confirm with DIAL Food & Consumer Safety (515-281-6538 / [email protected])Related low-volume categories: Unattended Food Establishment $75-$150 by sales; Vending Machine license $50 first machine + $10 each additional.
Sources: dial.iowa.gov · dial.iowa.gov · dial.iowa.gov · regulations.justia.com · observed 2026-08-07