What permits do you need to open a restaurant in Macomb County?

Food Service Establishment Plan Review

The Macomb County Health Department's plan review page requires plan review before construction of a new food service establishment, the conversion of an existing structure, or a remodel of more than 50 percent of an existing food service establishment begins, and also for a facility that has been closed for six months or longer. The fees are $815 for a full review of new construction or a conversion, $131 for each additional identical plan, $407 for a partial review of an existing food establishment and $243 for an extended vacancy/site review. The figure is from the Macomb County Health Department's official Environmental Health fee schedule page, whose fees are in effect January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. The county's 2026 Fixed Plan Review Instructions list the same $815, $131 and $407 figures.

Temporary Food Service License

A food vendor at a temporary event in Macomb County needs a Temporary Food Service License from the Macomb County Health Department, valid for an event of not more than 14 consecutive days according to the county licensing page. The county's 2026 Temporary License Application sets $158 for an application received 5 or more full business days before the event start date and $292 for one received 1-4 full business days before; non-profit and veterans applicants pay $154 and $288. The figure is from the Macomb County Health Department's official Environmental Health fee schedule page, whose fees are in effect January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. The schedule states that applications and fees must be received at least one full business day before the event, and that late applicants will not be inspected or given approval to operate.

On-Premises Liquor License — Michigan Liquor Control Commission with Local Legislative Body Approval

A restaurant or coffee shop in Macomb County that wants to serve alcohol for consumption on the premises needs a license from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. MCL 436.1501(2) states that such an application, 'except in a city having a population of 600,000 or more, must be approved by the local legislative body in which the applicant's place of business is located before the license is granted by the commission.' Under the same section, a renewal needs local approval only if the local legislative body objects not less than 30 days before the expiration date. No fee is charged by the county under this record; the license itself is granted by the commission.

Food Service License (fixed establishment, annual)

A fixed food service establishment in Macomb County needs an annual Food Service License from the Macomb County Health Department. The county's food FAQ lists restaurants, cafeterias, sandwich shops, coffee shops, pizza delivery, bars, brewpubs, caterers, rental halls and ice cream shops among the businesses regulated by the local health department, and states that food service licenses are issued to a specific owner and address and are not transferable. The fee depends on seating: $437 for 0-30 seats, $519 for 31-50, $560 for 51-100, $641 for 101-150 and $763 for more than 150; schools pay $267 and non-profits $80. The figure is from the Macomb County Health Department's official Environmental Health fee schedule page, whose fees are in effect January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. The county's 2026 new and renewal application forms state the licensing period as January 16, 2026 to April 30, 2027, and the renewal form asks for renewal before April 30. A grocery, convenience store, market or bakery falls under MDARD rather than the county, according to the county food FAQ.

Certified Food Safety Manager

No state fee — Michigan neither teaches the course nor issues the certificate, and the cost and length vary by provider. What the law does require is that a food service establishment, an extended retail food establishment or a food service operation inside a grocery employs at least one managerial food safety manager certified under an accredited programme. The rule adds that the certified manager must be a full-time employee but need not be present during all opening hours. Temporary establishments, vending locations and low-risk establishments are exempt. Ninety days are allowed to replace a departed manager or after a change of ownership, but a newly licensed establishment needs one from its first day. There is no statewide food handler card; local health departments may register individuals, and none of the six largest jurisdictions checked does.

Shared with other businesses in Macomb County

• Certified Food Manager on Staff — Macomb County Health Department, Environmental Health Services Division, No fee, ongoing while the establishment operates; required before approval to open. Also required for coffee shops and food trucks; what it involves is set out on the coffee shops page.
• Food Service Establishment License — Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, $338–$1,333 a year, set by the local health department; the state's embedded share is $30, annual — expires 30 April. Also required for coffee shops and food trucks; what it involves is set out on the coffee shops page.