Skip to main content
Public Health Madison & Dane County Logo

Public Health Madison & Dane County

  • Environmental Health
  • Health Services
  • Community Initiatives
  • Data & Publications
  • Media
  • Español
  • About

Search form

  • COVID-19 Vaccine: posted Friday, Mar. 13, 2020 – 4:54 pm Learn more about who is eligible for vaccine.
  • Español
  1. Public Health
  2. Environmental Health
  3. Licensing & Permits
  4. Retail Food Establishment Licensing

Retail Food Establishment Licensing

food cart

​Retail Food Establishment Licensing Process

Licensed establishment services are temporarily suspended while Public Health Madison & Dane County responds to the increased number of COVID-19 cases in our community.  At this time, only hazards that are of imminent danger to health will be investigated. All other licensed establishment pre-inspections, inspections, and complaints are on hold.  

If you have an urgent request or complaint that needs immediate attention, please email: LEadmin@publichealthmdc.com.  

 

We appreciate your patience and understanding, and ask that you check back on January 1, 2021 as to the status of our program services. 
 


To alleviate some of the financial burden on our licensed establishments due to COVID-19, we have reverted our license fees back to 2019 rates effective April 2, 2020.

All food related licensing fees in Madison and Dane County are handled by the City of Madison Clerk's Office.

  1. Complete the Food and Drink Licensing Application.
  2. Look Up the Licensing Fees.*
  3. Submit application and fee to the City Clerk's Office listed on the application.
  4. For new establishments, send a copy of the kitchen plans to the Environmental Health Division, 2300 S. Park St. Suite 2010, Madison, WI, 53713 or email Public Health.
  5. Food and Drink licenses are issued after the application and fees have been processed and an inspector conducts a pre-inspection and approves the license.
  6. For questions and/or to schedule a pre-inspection, please contact us at (608) 242-6515 or LEadmin@publichealthmdc.com

Information for Prospective Food Establishment Operators: English / Español

*Licensing Fees

The licensing fee is paid to obtain an annual food license and is based upon anticipated gross annual food sales and type of operation. The one-time, pre-inspection fee covers:

  • The cost of reviewing plans
  • Consulting with the sanitarian on equipment installation and proper design and construction of the facility
  • On-site evaluation of the facility prior to releasing the permit.

Please call (608) 242-6515 or email LEadmin@publichealthmdc.com for more information.

Sign up for our newsletters

Licensing & Permits

  • Places to Stay
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • Hotels
    • Short-Term Rentals (Tourist Rooming Houses)
  • Retail Food Establishment Licensing
    • Farmers' Markets
    • Mobile Food Establishments
    • Temporary Food Stands
  • Tattoo & Body Piercing
  • Water, Well & Septic
    • Non-Storm Water Permits
    • Pool Licensing
    • Sanitary Permit (for private septic systems)
    • Well Location Permits

Contact Us

Environmental Health
2300 S. Park St. Suite 2010
Madison, WI 53713

  • Phone: (608) 242-6515
  • Email: LEadmin@publichealthmdc.com
  • Español: (608) 243-0380
  • Get Directions
Public Health Madison & Dane County Logo

Public Health Madison & Dane County

Office Location & Hours

  • Main Phone: (608) 266-4821
  • Environmental Health Phone:
    (608) 242-6515
  • Fax: (608) 266-4858
  • WI Relay Service and Interpretation Services Available
  • Email Public Health
  • City of Madison, Wisconsin Logo
    City of Madison, Wisconsin
  • Dane County Logo
    County of Dane, Wisconsin

Healthy People. Healthy Places.

Public Health Services are available to all residents and visitors of Madison and Dane County. Citizenship is not a requirement. We provide services regardless of a person's race, color, gender/gender expression, ability, religion, sexual orientation or place of birth/place of residence.

Our Mission


Working with the community to enhance, protect, and promote the health of the environment and the well being of all people.


  • Sign up to receive informative emails from Public Health Madison & Dane County
  • Follow Public Health Madison & Dane County on Twitter
  • Like Public Health Madison & Dane County on Facebook
  • Watch Public Health Madison & Dane County videos on YouTube
  • Follow Public Health Madison & Dane County on Instagram
Copyright © 1995 - 2021
  • Public Health Madison & Dane County
  • Contact PHMDC
  • Accessibility
  • Conditions & Use
  • Policies
  • HIPAA & Open Records