Retail Food Establishment Licensing

food cart

Retail Food Establishment Licensing Process

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 LEadmin@publichealthmdc.com.
  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