How do I get a restaurant permit in New York City?
The short answer, with the official forms and the agencies' own links.
The short answer
Apply for the Health Department's Food Service Establishment Permit online, or in person by appointment; new applications aren't accepted by mail. It costs $280, you need a Food Protection Certificate holder or a course registration when you apply, and you may open 22 days after applying, even before the pre-permit inspection. It renews every year.
The forms involved
Food Service Establishment Permit
NYC Department of Health and Mental HygieneNew York City
Apply on NYC Business. The Health Department inspects before issuing; letter grades follow.
- Fee
- $280
- Filed
- Filed on the agency's portal
- Takes
- You may open 22 days after applying, even before the pre-permit inspection.
- Renews
- Every year.
Food Protection Certificate (course and exam)
NYC Department of Health and Mental HygieneNew York City
Free online course, then an in-person exam. A certified supervisor must be on site whenever you are open.
- Fee
- $24.60
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- Certificate arrives 2 to 6 weeks after the exam.
- Renews
- Does not expire.
Certificate of Occupancy for the use
NYC Department of BuildingsNew York City
Check the space's existing CO allows your use; a change of use needs an alteration filing and an amended CO.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed on the agency's portal
- Takes
- DOB doesn't publish a processing time for a Certificate of Occupancy; staff review the request in DOB NOW: Build and issue the CO once every sign-off and requirement is in.
Full guides
General information, not legal or tax advice. Agency requirements change; check the agency's page before you file.
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Get the plan for your business in New York City
This guide covers the city. Your exact address decides the county, the health district and the zoning. Placetta maps every filing for it, fills the official forms from your details, adds the deadlines and puts them up for your approval.
- The full list for your address, in filing order
- The official forms, filled line by line
- Renewal and inspection reminders