How to get a health permit for your kitchen in Los Angeles

Starting a food business in Los Angeles is exciting, but before you can legally prepare or sell food, you must secure the proper permits — and one of the most crucial is a health permit. If you’re wondering how to get a health permit for restaurants in Los Angeles, this guide walks you through the process, costs, requirements, and tips to streamline your approval.

Why do you need a health permit in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles County, any business involved in preparing, storing, serving, or selling food must obtain a public health permit from the Department of Public Health’s Environmental Health Division. This ensures your kitchen meets strict food safety and hygiene standards to protect public health.

Operating without a valid permit can result in heavy fines, forced closures, or even legal action. Plus, having a health permit builds credibility with customers and opens up opportunities for partnerships, catering contracts, and delivery services.

How much is a health permit in Los Angeles?

The cost of a health permit in Los Angeles varies depending on the type and size of your food facility. As of the latest update:

• Small restaurants (less than 25 seats): Around $772 per year
• Medium restaurants (26–50 seats): Approximately $1,070 per year
• Large restaurants (51+ seats): Up to $1,472 per year
• Catering operations: Pricing varies based on the scope of service, but expect fees similar to small or medium restaurant permits.

There are also one-time fees for plan checks if you’re building a new facility or modifying an existing one.You can check all the details and fees on the LA County Public Health – Environmental Health website.

Read more: How to Get a Food Handlers Card In LA

How to get a health permit for restaurants in Los Angeles

Step 1: Determine your facility type

Before applying, identify your operation type. This can include:

• Restaurant;
• Catering kitchen;
• Ghost kitchen (delivery-only);
• Mobile food facility;
• Temporary food event vendor.

Each category has slightly different requirements and fees.

Step 2: Prepare your kitchen or facility

Whether you are opening a new kitchen or moving into an existing one, your facility must meet specific design standards:

• Commercial-grade equipment;
• Proper ventilation;
• Three-compartment sink;
• Handwashing sinks;
• Adequate refrigeration;
• Pest control measures.

If you’re renting space in a shared facility or ghost kitchen much of this infrastructure may already be in place, making your approval faster. Also, some of those kitchens already have all the permits and licenses you may need. 

Step 3: Complete a Plan Check (if building or modifying a facility)

If you’re constructing a kitchen or making major changes, you must submit plans for review:

• Floor plan layout;
• Equipment list;
• Plumbing and electrical schematics;
• Finish schedule (materials for floors, walls, ceilings).

Plan check fees apply, and approval can take several weeks depending on workload and accuracy of submissions.

Step 4: Complete the health permit application

Fill out the appropriate application form from the LA County Department of Public Health. You’ll need to provide:

• Business name and address;
• Type of facility and food service;
• Owner/operator contact information;
• Seller’s permit number (issued by California Department of Tax and Fee Administration).

Read more: How to Open a Restaurant in California

Step 5: Pay the necessary fees

After submitting your application, you’ll receive an invoice for your initial permit and inspection fees. Most payments are made through the Environmental Health online portal or by mail.

Step 6: Schedule a pre-opening inspection

Once your kitchen is ready, request a pre-opening inspection. A health inspector will review:

• Food storage and preparation areas
• Sanitation practices
• Equipment functionality
• Temperature controls
• Pest control systems

If you pass the inspection, you’ll receive your health permit and can legally open for business!

Additional licenses and certifications needed

Alongside your health permit, you may need:

• Food handler’s card: Every employee handling food must complete food safety training.
• Business license: Issued by the City of Los Angeles.
• Seller’s permit: Required to sell taxable goods (like prepared food).

Read more: Food Handlers Permit Los Angeles

How much is a food vendor permit in Los Angeles?

If you plan to operate a food cart, truck, or pop-up stand, you’ll need a Mobile Food Facility permit:

• Hot trucks or food carts: About $900–$1,200 annually
• Pushcarts (like tamale vendors): Around $500–$800 annually
• Plan check fee: Additional $347+ depending on vehicle design

This is separate from restaurant permits but still managed by the LA County Department of Public Health. Check more details.

How to get a seller’s permit in Los Angeles

A seller’s permit is needed for sales tax purposes. You can apply online through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).

Information required:

• Social Security Number or Tax ID;
• Estimated monthly sales;
• Business type and structure;
• Kitchen or operation address.

The permit itself is free, but missing one can result in penalties and back taxes.

Common mistakes to avoid when applying

• Incomplete applications: Double-check that all fields are filled.
• Unlicensed kitchen space: Renting a non-approved facility can delay or cancel your application.
• Ignoring food handler certifications: LA County mandates all food workers be trained.
• Poor preparation for inspection: Make sure equipment is installed and operational before your health inspection.

How CloudKitchens helps with health permit compliance

When you choose a CloudKitchens facility, much of the heavy lifting is done for you. Our kitchens are built to code, pre-inspected, and maintained to meet strict health department standards. We offer turnkey kitchen spaces designed for:

• Catering companies;
• Delivery-only restaurants;
• Food entrepreneurs;
• Growing restaurant brands.

With our support, you can navigate permitting faster, allowing you to focus on perfecting your menu and growing your business. You can know more about our commercial kitchens here!

Set up your kitchen for success

Getting a health permit for your kitchen in Los Angeles is a critical step toward operating legally and building customer trust. Although the process can feel complex, breaking it down into actionable steps — and choosing the right partners — can make it manageable and stress-free.

Ready to launch your kitchen faster? Contact CloudKitchens today and start your successful kitchen in Los Angeles!

DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and the content does not constitute an endorsement. CloudKitchens does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, images/graphics, links, or other content contained within the blog content. We recommend that you consult with financial, legal, and business professionals for advice specific to your situation.