Food Service Establishment Forms & Applications    

All applications must be submitted to ehapplications@orangecountync.gov. 

How to Obtain a Permit to Prepare and Sell Food

Before an operator can prepare and sell retail food in North Carolina, a permit for retail food service will be required. This means the operator prepares the food in some way and vends it through retail business practices directly to one consumer. This includes restaurants, food stands, meat markets, food trucks, and subscription meal services.

Food Service Permits – What You Need to Know

Environmental Health issues food service permits after reviewing your menu, plans, and equipment.

Not sure if your food service needs a permit?
Email ehapplications@orangecountync.gov and ask. When in doubt—ask first. It’s faster and cheaper than fixing mistakes later.

Home-Based Food Businesses

If you prepare non-potentially hazardous foods or baked goods at home, your business will be referred to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS).
Environmental Health does not permit these operations.

New Food Businesses (Plan Review Required)

Starting a new food business in Orange County?

You must submit a Plan Review Application to Environmental Health before:

  • Construction

  • Installation

  • Site preparation

  • Plan review fee: $250

What counts as a remodel?

A remodel is only when an existing permitted establishment is updating or replacing equipment.

All other situations are treated as new permits.

Chain or Franchise Restaurants

Where ten (10) or more units exist in NC, all chain or franchise food facilities must also be approved by:
NC Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Environmental Health – Facility Plan Review Unit

📞 Call 919-707-5854 for details before construction begins.

Shared-Use Kitchens

Thinking about using a shared or commercial kitchen?

Shared-use kitchens are often used by:

  • Caterers

  • Food businesses that need a commissary

Fees

  • $100 plan review fee for each individual operator

  • $250 fee to permit the kitchen as a commissary

Each operator must submit their own application.

Food Trucks, Mobile Units, and Push Carts

This includes:

  • Food trucks

  • Mobile food units

  • Push carts

Applications may require:

  • Additional plan review

  • A signed commissary agreement

Fees

  • $200 plan review fee for food trucks and mobile food units

  • $100 plan review fee for push carts and other mobile units

Bonus: Food trucks can receive a free gas line inspection from the NC Department of Agriculture.

Transitional Permits (Change in Ownership)

Taking over an existing food establishment? Was the establishment closed less than one year? You need a Transitional Permit.

Requirements

  • Submit the application before ownership changes

  • $100 plan review fee

Important:

  • You cannot operate without a valid permit

  • This permit does not apply if you are changing:

    • The menu

    • The food concept

    • The equipment

Do this before closing the sale. Operating without a permit is illegal—and yes, we enforce that.

Temporary Food Establishments

Planning to sell food at a fair, festival, or public event?

Before the Event

Event organizers must submit an application before the event.
An Environmental Health Program Specialist will review the list of food vendors to decide:

  • Who needs a permit

  • Who may qualify for an exemption

Mobile Food Units

Food trucks and mobile food units that are already permitted in North Carolina may participate.
However, they must be checked to make sure:

  • Their permit is current.

  • They are in good standing with inspections in their home county.

Temporary Food Establishment Permits

If a Temporary Food Establishment Permit is required:

  • The permit may cover up to 30 days in the same location

  • Each food vendor must submit:

    • A completed application

    • A menu

    • Food source information

    • A $75 permit fee

Not Sure If You Need a Permit?

If you are unsure whether your food service qualifies for an exemption or needs a permit, ask first.

Email ehapplications@orangecountync.gov. When it comes to temporary food, guessing is risky. Asking is free.