Restaurant Compliance Checklist for Detroit, Michigan
Before You Sign the Lease
Business formation, entity registration, zoning verification
Including 19 more permits, registrations, and compliance items.
See Full Compliance ChecklistDuring Build-Out
Health permits, fire safety, key licenses — the critical path
Including 8 more permits, registrations, and compliance items.
See Full Compliance ChecklistHiring & Training
Employee compliance, certifications, workplace posters
- Alarm System Permit/RegistrationNot specified on page
- Backflow Prevention Device CertificationTesting can typically be completed within 1-2 weeks of scheduling. Initial certification appointment: 1-2 hours. Annual recertification required based on local ordinance (typically annually for commercial). ASSE certification training: 5 days if pursuing in-house certification.
- Building PermitTypically 10-20 business days for review and approval, depending on project complexity
Including 21 more permits, registrations, and compliance items.
See Full Compliance ChecklistDon't Miss a Permit in Detroit, Michigan
ApronPrep tracks all 57 requirements and alerts you before deadlines.
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Cost Summary
| Requirement | Jurisdiction | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Employer Registration for Unemployment Insurance | State | No specific fee information available on provided page content |
| Alarm System Permit/Registration | Local | Contact Detroit Fire Department for current fee schedule |
| Backflow Prevention Device Certification | Local | $100 per commercial backflow device for testing and certification (based on Water Works Solutions pricing); additional fees may apply for repairs or recertification. Contact Detroit Water Department for any municipal filing fees. |
| Building Permit | Local | Contact Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department for fee schedule based on project cost |
| Business License (Restaurant) | Local | Contact Detroit Health Department for current fee schedule |
| Certificate of Occupancy | Local | No application fees for Certificate of Occupancy; however, all outstanding inspection fees must be paid before issuance |
| City Business License/Registration | Local | Contact City of Detroit for current fee schedule |
| Electrical Permit | Local | Contact Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department for current permit fee schedule |
| Fire Marshal Permit and Inspection | Local | Contact authority for current fees |
| Food Establishment Plan Review | Local | Contact Detroit Health Department for current fee amounts |
| Food Service Establishment License | Local | Refer to Food Service Fee Schedule for current fee amounts |
| Liquor License (Local Approval) | Local | Contact Liquor License Unit for current fee schedule |
| Mechanical/HVAC Permit | Local | Contact authority for current fees at (313) 224-3202 or visit detroitmi.gov |
| Plumbing Permit | Local | Contact authority for current fees - specific fee amounts not provided in available documentation |
| Right-of-Way Permit | Local | Contact Detroit Department of Public Works for current fee schedule |
Total: $100–$100
Filing fees only. Does not include insurance, build-out, or consultant fees.
Other Establishment Types in Detroit, Michigan
Bar / Nightclub
Net change: +4 requirements
Food Truck
Net change: +0 requirements
Coffee Shop / Café
Net change: -2 requirements
Bakery / Patisserie
Net change: +1 requirements
Ghost Kitchen / Cloud Kitchen
Net change: -4 requirements
Catering Company
Net change: +3 requirements
Fast Food / QSR
Net change: +1 requirements
Brewery / Brewpub
Net change: +2 requirements
You must navigate 57 distinct regulatory requirements. This total includes 22 federal requirements, 11 state-level items, and 24 separate permits, licenses, and inspections from the City of Detroit. Each layer—federal, state, and city—has its own specific checklist that must be completed.
The complete permitting and approval process typically spans 6 to 14 weeks, assuming all applications are submitted correctly and sequentially. This timeline accounts for review periods, potential inspections, and processing delays across the 57 different requirements from federal, state, and city agencies.
Total government filing fees range from approximately $100 to $100. This wide range is based on Detroit city and Michigan state fee schedules and depends on your specific restaurant type, size, and services offered (e.g., adding alcohol service significantly increases costs).
No, you cannot legally operate until you have secured all required approvals. Opening without a valid Certificate of Occupancy, Food Service License, or other mandatory permits from the City of Detroit and State of Michigan can result in immediate closure, fines, and legal action. Compliance with all 57 items is non-negotiable for operation.
About This Data
Forms & permits for Detroit, Michigan
Field-by-field guides to every requirement we cover in Detroit, Michigan.
- ADA Compliance Self-Certification
- Alarm System Permit/Registration
- Annual Report Filing
- Application for Employer Identification Number
- Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (Corp
- Backflow Prevention Device Certification
- Building Permit
- Business License (Restaurant)
- Certificate of Occupancy
- City Business License/Registration
- Detroit Food Protection Manager Certification
- Detroit Hood/Exhaust Ventilation System Permit
- Detroit Michigan Liquor License (On-Premises)
- Detroit Outdoor Seating / Sidewalk Cafe Permit
- Detroit Quarterly Contribution and Wage Report
- Detroit Quarterly Estimated Income Tax Payment
- Detroit Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements
- E-Verify Enrollment
- EFTPS Enrollment (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) (2026) |
- Electrical Permit
- Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) Poster
- Employee Rights Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Poster
- Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act Poster (20
- Employee's Withholding Certificate
- Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment Tax Return
- Employer's Annual Information Return of Tip Income
- Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return
- Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law Poster
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Poster
- Fire Department Operational Permit
- Fire Marshal Permit and Inspection
- Food Establishment Plan Review
- Food Service Establishment License
- Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification)
- Grease Trap/Interceptor Permit
- Hazard Communication Program and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Liquor License (Local Approval)
- Mechanical/HVAC Permit
- Michigan Employer Registration for Unemployment Insurance
- Michigan Employer Withholding Tax Registration
- Michigan Minimum Wage Poster
- Michigan Sales Tax Registration
- New Hire Reporting
- OSHA Form 300A - Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (
- OSHA Job Safety and Health - It's the Law Poster
- Plumbing Permit
- Right-of-Way Permit
- Sign Permit
- Trade Name/DBA Registration
- Wage and Tax Statement
- Water and Sewer Connection Permit
- Workers' Compensation Insurance Certificate
- Your Rights Under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemploym
- Zoning Compliance Letter
Don't Miss a Permit in Detroit, Michigan
ApronPrep tracks all 57 requirements, alerts you before deadlines, and auto-fills your forms.