Restaurant Permits: The Complete Resource

Opening a restaurant means dealing with a stack of permits from at least three different government agencies, sometimes more. Health department, fire marshal, zoning board, alcohol control board, tax office — each one has its own application, its own timeline, and its own way of making your life difficult.

The guides below cover the specific permits restaurant owners deal with most often. From your initial health inspection to your certificate of occupancy to the differences between restaurant and bar licensing, each article walks through the actual requirements, fees, and deadlines you'll face.

If you're planning a restaurant, buying one, or just trying to figure out what you're still missing, these are the guides to read.

Restaurant Permit Checklist: A Complete Guide for New Owners

Every permit and license a new restaurant needs, from health department to fire marshal to tax registration. A practical checklist you can actually use.

Restaurant vs Bar Licenses: What's Different

Restaurants and bars look similar on paper, but the permits they need and what they cost aren't the same. Here's where the two diverge and why it matters.

Health Department Inspection: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Your first health inspection determines whether you open on time or get delayed. Here's exactly what inspectors check and how to pass on the first try.

Certificate of Occupancy: What It Is and How to Get One

A Certificate of Occupancy confirms your building is safe and approved for its intended use. Without one, you can't legally open. Here's how to get it.

What Permits Do You Need to Open a Brewery?

Opening a brewery means permits from the TTB, your state alcohol board, local health department, and more. Here's every license you need and what they cost.

Not sure what permits you need?

Tell us your business type and location. We'll show you every permit, license, and inspection you need — with links to the actual agencies and current fees.

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