City of Philadelphia

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Food business documents

If you want to open and operate a food business in Philadelphia, you need to get the appropriate licenses from the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I). The forms and instructions on this page will help you through the process.

You can apply for food business licenses from L&I online or take your application to the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building Concourse. Do not mail applications.

The Department of Public Health also offers more information about opening a food business.

Name Description Released Format
Cafe plot plan instructions PDF How to complete a cafe plot plan as part of your sidewalk cafe license application. March 7, 2019
Food business license application PDF Application form for a license to prepare or serve food. November 14, 2022
Guide to opening a stationary food business PDF A guide to starting or changing a stationary food business. October 5, 2022
Sidewalk cafe license application PDF Application form to operate a sidewalk cafe. November 14, 2022
Streetery license operation information form PDF Use this form with new streetery license and amended streetery license applications. October 19, 2022
Streetery license posting notice PDF This notice must be posted for new and amended streetery license applications. October 19, 2022

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