Food Services

 

Customer are strongly encouraged to apply for Business Licenses online through BSEED's Electronic Licensing and Permitting System (eLAPS).

Application Guidelines

Refer to the table for the appropriate eLAPS application for your business.

Business License Type Record Type Application Name License Type
Concert Cafe (Entertainment + Food) Food Services Application Restaurant Concert Cafe
Restaurant Food Services Application Restaurant Caterer
Carry-out
Coffee House
Fast Food
Standard Restaurant
Restaurant w/ Class C (MLCC) Food Services Application Restaurant MLCC Restaurant MLCC

Required Clearances

Refer to the table below for a breakdown of the Clearances required for your business.

Business License Type  Bond / Insurance   Environmental Health (Detroit Health Department)  Fire   Food Safety (Detroit Health Department)   Police   Property Maintenance  Treasury
Concert Cafe (Entertainment + Food)     X X   X X
Restaurant     X X   X X
Restaurant w/ Class C (MLCC)     X X   X X

Required Documents

Refer to the table below for a breakdown of the required documents to include in your business license application. All documents must be submitted through eLAPS.

Business License Type Building Permit State of Michigan Liquor License Activity Document Proof of Ownership: Lease Contract / Property Deed Articles of Incorporation Current Identification
Concert Cafe (Entertainment + Food) X   X X X
Restaurant X   X X X
Restaurant with Class C (MLCC) X X X X X

Associated Fees

Business License applications are subject to multiple fees dependent on scope. Fee types and prices are subject to change. Charged annually.  

 

Concert Cafe (Entertainment + Food)

  • Concert Cafe: $345.00/year

Restaurant

  • Restaurant 1-30 Seats: $100.00/year
  • Restaurant 31-50 Seats: $133.00/year
  • Restaurant 51-100 Seats: $180.00/year
  • Restaurant 101-150 Seats: $215.00/year
  • Restaurant 150 Seats and Up: $381.00/year

Carry Out

  • Restaurant - Carry Out No Seating: $100.00/year
  • Restaurant - Carry Out 1-30 Seats: $100.00/year

Coffee House

  • Coffee House: $100.00/year

Caterer

  • Restaurant - Caterer: $100.00/year

Restaurant with Class C MLCC

  • Restaurant with Class C MLCC 1-30 Seats: $100.00/year
  • Restaurant with Class C MLCC 31-50 Seats: $133.00/year
  • Restaurant with Class C MLCC 51-100 Seats: $180.00/year
  • Restaurant with Class C MLCC 101-150 Seats: $215.00/year
  • Restaurant with Class C MLCC 150 Seats and Up: $381.00/year

 

Clearance Instructions

Bond / Insurance

Environmental Health (Detroit Health Department)

Fire

  • Step 1: Call to confirm and pay fee. 
    • Phone: 313-596-2963
    • Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
    • Note: You can mail your payment or pay via phone with credit card for an additional 3% charge.
  • Step 2: Call to schedule inspection. 
    • Phone: 313-596-2954
    • Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
    • In Person (note phone is preferred): 1301 Third St. Detroit MI 48226

Food Safety (Detroit Health Department)

  • You do not need to schedule this inspection. The Health Department will visit your location according to their schedule. If you have any questions, you may call Food Safety: 313-876-0135

Police

  • Check with BSEED Licensing & Permits about whether you require a Police Department clearance and, if so, whether you need to visit the Police Department or whether they will conduct an unannounced inspection. Some business types that require Police Department clearance include:
    • Gas stations
    • Pedicabs
    • Valet drivers
    • Parking lot attendants
    • Junk collectors

Property Maintenance

  • Call to confirm Certificate of Compliance expiration and schedule inspection if needed. You will be mailed an invoice after the inspection takes place. You will not receive your C of C until all fees owed to BSEED have been paid.
    • Phone: (313) 628-2451
    • Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • In Person: Buildings, Safety, Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)
    • CAYMC, 2 Woodward, Suite 412

Treasury

  • Step 1: Get your Personal Property Tax ID. You must have this in order to apply for a clearance. 
  • Step 2: Use this link to access the clearance application: http://bit.ly/detroitclearances
    • Once on the website, select the appropriate clearance application. The application includes 2 pages:
      • Page 1 - Application Information
      • Page 2 - Security submits your social security and/or EIN to the City of Detroit
    • Both pages are required in order to complete your application. Failure to do so could result in a longer processing time. Please allow 7-10 business days for an update on your clearance. 
    • Email: [email protected]
    • In Person: Treasury, Clearance Unit, CAYMC, 2 Woodward Avenue