How to file the food service permit (Boston)
Email the application (with its workers' comp affidavit), the EIN and the food protection manager certificate to ISDHealth@boston.gov, or bring them to 1010 Massachusetts Ave, 4th floor. Before the opening inspection, which you book a few days ahead, have the allergen certificate, Certificate of Occupancy, Common Victualler License and paid fees ready.
- Agency
- City of Boston Inspectional Services, Health Division
- Where it applies
- Boston
- How it's filed
- Paper form, mailed
- Fee
- Varies$200 minimum the first year for a sit-down restaurant, $100 for a retail food store under 2,500 sq ft, plus $30 each for milk or frozen desserts. From the second year a restaurant that also does takeout pays by its prior-year gross sales, up to $1,200.
- How long it takes
- 1 to 2 business days when the space isn't changing; after a build-out, the inspection is usually done within 1 business day of proof of every other approval.
- Renewal
- Every year: the permit runs January 1 to December 31, and the renewal bill comes around the second week of November.
What to attach
- Workers' compensation insurance affidavit
- Federal Tax ID (EIN)
- Food protection manager certificate
- Allergen awareness certificate
- Certificate of Occupancy
- Common Victualler License
Official links
Checked against the agency's own page.
Was this page helpful?
Get the plan for your exact address
This guide covers the city. Your exact address decides the county, the health district and the zoning. Placetta maps every filing for it, fills the official forms from your details, adds the deadlines and puts them up for your approval.
- The full list for your address, in filing order
- The official forms, filled line by line
- Renewal and inspection reminders