Detroit restaurant pilot

Detroit, Michigan · Official-source checklist

Detroit restaurant permit checklist

Use the citations beside each item to review the official agency source. Confirm how each item applies to your business directly with the relevant agency.

Agency decisions and timing

The relevant agencies decide whether to approve applications and how long review takes. Civiknot does not guarantee approval or a review timeline.

01

01 / Site and construction

Check the address and planned work

  • Verify that the proposed restaurant use is allowed in its zoning district.

    [1] City of Detroit BSEED

  • Obtain BSEED permits when construction, renovation, or a change of occupancy requires them.

    [1] City of Detroit BSEED

  • Schedule required inspections and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Acceptance.

    [1] City of Detroit BSEED

  • For a business applying for a BSEED business license, the City guide lists a Federal Tax ID, a building permit, and a Certificate of Occupancy among the prerequisites. This does not mean every restaurant needs a BSEED business license; see the City’s restaurant-specific note below.

    [1] City of Detroit BSEED[8] City of Detroit
02

02 / Food service license

Keep the food license separate from BSEED permits

  • MDARD identifies Food Service Licenses for restaurants, cafeterias, food trucks, trailers, tents, and commissaries.

    [2] Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD)

  • The City says anyone preparing or serving food to the public needs a license.

    [4] City of Detroit

  • The City’s Restaurants page says restaurants, restaurants with an MLCC license, bar class “c,” mobile food vendors, and coffee houses no longer need a BSEED license. It also says a Detroit Health Department license is still required.

    [8] City of Detroit

  • BSEED construction or occupancy permits are separate from a BSEED business license. The listed BSEED business-license exemption does not remove the Detroit Health Department license requirement.

    [1] City of Detroit BSEED[8] City of Detroit

Reference desk

Official sources used on this page

This checklist is informational. Contact the listed agency to confirm which steps apply to a specific location and project.

Civiknot permit preparation

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