Local permits & fees

Washtenaw County, MI — Commercial Kitchen Permits

Washtenaw County Health Department, Environmental Health Division (serves Ann Arbor) · department site →
Fees change often — always confirm the current amount with the department before you budget.

Restaurant / food-facility permit

Food Service Establishment License
By total building sq ft (local + $30 state): 0-1,000 sq ft $504; 1,001-3,000 $898; 3,001+ $1,333. Non-profit: $274 / $387 / $611. Seasonal (<9 mo) charged 60%: $314 / $551 / $812

Fees from Washtenaw County 2026 EH Fee Schedule (effective Jan 1, 2026). Veterans licensed under 1921 PA 359 exempt from part of state fees.

Plan review — required

By total building sq ft: 0-1,000 $554; 1,001-3,000 $988; 3,001+ $1,467; mobiles/STFUs = min $554. Minor alteration of currently-licensed by current owner = 50% ($277/$494/$734). Construction begun before approval = 2x fee

Plan-review details & forms →

Food truck / mobile permit

Mobile Food Establishment License (and Special Transitory Food Unit / STFU)
Mobile food unit license charged min sq-ft fee $504 (non-profit $274); STFU license $174 (non-profit $135); STFU inspection $90; food peddler inspection (ice cream trucks) $50; mobile plan review = min $554

Mobile plan review application, commissary verification form, and Certified Food Safety Manager certificate required.

Watch out for

  • License renewal late fee is cumulative $100/week starting the first Monday in May.
  • Separate mobile-cart and temporary food establishment license tracks; EH office at 705 N Zeeb Rd, Ann Arbor (734-222-3800).

Other food-service permits in this jurisdiction

CategoryAnnual feeNotes
catererapplication $343 + establishment licenseCatering licensed as a food service establishment (license fee by total building sq ft); dedicated catering page. 'Change of use/change of owner/catering application fee' $343.
commissary/central kitchenListed as a food-service category in fee-schedule footnote; licensed as a food service establishment (sq-ft-based fee); no distinct dollar line.
temporary/special-event$167/boothTemporary food service $158 local + $9 state per booth (non-profit $163). $40 late fee if <=3 days before ($207); double local fee if day-of ($325).
special transitory food unit (STFU)$174$130 local + $44 state (non-profit $135). STFU inspection $90.
seasonal food service establishment60% of sq-ft license feeSeasonal (<9 months/year) establishments charged 60% of the standard building-sq-ft license fee.
pushcart/limited operation$50Food peddler inspection (ice cream trucks, etc.) $50.
bakeryNo separate bakery line; licensed as food service establishment by sq ft.
food processing/wholesaleState-regulated by MDARD, not the county.
Sources: content.civicplus.com · www.washtenaw.org · www.washtenaw.org · observed 2026-08-07