2 articles
Permits Explained
One permit type at a time: what it is, who issues it, who needs one, what it costs and how often it renews.
What our records show
Figures from the published records behind this site, last verified 2026-10-15. They update as records are re-checked.
| Permit type | Jurisdictions | Typical fee (middle half) | Median fee | Usual term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food service establishment permit | 380 in 50 states | $150–$525 | $274 | annual |
| Certificate of occupancy | 203 in 49 states | $75–$232 | $125 | issued once per qualifying occupancy |
| General business license | 308 in 51 states | $50–$225 | $100 | not applicable |
| Fire inspection certificate | 55 in 21 states | $50–$150 | $100 | annual |
| Sign permit | 213 in 50 states | $50–$281 | $100 | one-time, per sign |
| Sales and use tax permit | 57 in 51 states | $20–$50 | $50 | not applicable |
Guides on the same subject
- The certificate of occupancy, explained without the jargonIt is the document that says a building may legally be used for what you intend to use it for — and it gates almost everything else.