LA County Public Health Permit/License (restaurant): Los Angeles restaurant guide
LA County Public Health — Environmental Health
What it is
The annual operating permit every food facility in the County's jurisdiction must hold — restaurants, cafés, bakeries and bars with no kitchen (classed low risk); it is issued after EH's final inspection and is not transferable to a new owner.
When a restaurant needs it
Before serving any food; required again on any change of ownership.
How to apply
Submit the Public Health Permit/License Application (in person, mail or email) and pay; for new or remodeled facilities EH's Plan Check Program performs the final inspection and releases the permit.
Documents you’ll need
- Public Health Permit/License Application
- Owner/entity details and first date of operation
- Approved plan check (if built/remodeled)
- Payment
Good to know
Your risk tier (low/moderate/high) is assigned by Environmental Health — budget for the high-risk fee until EH confirms. Bars with no kitchen and coffee shops that only prepare beverages are low risk (one routine inspection a year). The permit is nontransferable, and Pasadena, Long Beach and Vernon issue their own health permits.
Official source
LA County EH — restaurants & retail food stores · EH fee schedule FY 2026-27
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.