NAICS 722511
What permits does a restaurant need?
In short
A restaurant typically needs 6 permits to open, though the exact set and the fees depend entirely on the city and county. Across the jurisdictions we cover, filing fees run around $1,215 and openings take 9–14 weeks.
Pre-launch build. The permit records on this page are sample data used to build the site structure. None has yet been verified against a primary source, so nothing here should be relied on.
The permits a restaurant usually carries
| Permit | Issuing agency | Fee | Renews | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Service Establishment Permit | Metro Public Health | $180 | annually | 12 Aug 2026 |
| Certificate of Use & Occupancy | Codes & Building Safety | $220 | once | 12 Aug 2026 |
| Liquor by the Drink Licence | TN Alcoholic Beverage Comm. | $550 | annually | 06 Aug 2026 |
| Grease Trap Permit | Metro Water Services | $80 | annually | 02 Aug 2026 |
| Fire Inspection Certificate | Nashville Fire Marshal | $85 | annually | Re-check due · 98 days |
| Sales & Use Tax Certificate | TN Dept. of Revenue | No fee | no expiry | 12 Aug 2026 |
Do the requirements change between cities?
Substantially. The categories of permit a restaurant needs are broadly consistent nationally, but the issuing agency, the fee, the renewal term and the filing order all change at city and county level. This is why a national checklist is a starting point rather than an answer.
Restaurants by city
Commercial Compliance Hub publishes information, not legal advice. Requirements change — confirm anything you rely on with the issuing agency before you file.