Catering Business Permit Requirements in Salt Lake City, UT

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah.

Verified 2026-08-27 5 stops $500–$1,500 est. 4–8 weeks
Get my personalized route — $14.99

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Utah

2 stops

  1. Utah State Tax Commission — Sales Tax License

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Utah. Utah charges a 4.85% state sales tax; local jurisdictions add additional taxes bringing totals to 6–9%. Register with the Utah State Tax Commission online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

  2. Certified Food Safety Manager (Utah Admin Code R392-101)

    Utah requires each food service establishment to have at least one certified food safety manager under Utah Admin Code R392-101 (a Department of Health and Human Services rule enforced through local health departments — not the Department of Agriculture and Food). Certification requires passing an approved, ANSI/ANAB-accredited food protection manager exam; proof is submitted to the local health department within 60 days and is valid for three years.

    Official government source

    $80–$1501–2 days

City of Salt Lake City / Salt Lake County

2 stops

  1. Salt Lake County / Salt Lake City Catering / Food Service Establishment License

    Catering businesses based in Salt Lake City need a food service permit from the Salt Lake County Health Department, which requires an approved commercial kitchen and plan review plus a pre-opening inspection (a residential kitchen is not allowed), and a Salt Lake City business license. Permits renew annually and are not transferable.

    Official government source

    Set by the Salt Lake County Health Department fee schedule (not published online) - call 385-468-3845 for current food-permit and plan-review fees2–6 weeks

  2. Salt Lake City Business License Division — Business License

    Salt Lake City requires a business license for businesses operating within city limits (SLC Code Title 5). Apply through the Business Licensing Division; licenses renew annually and must be displayed. Exception: under Utah Code 10-1-203.5, a no-impact home-based business (one whose combined off-site impact does not materially exceed that of the residence alone) cannot be required to obtain a city license or pay a license fee.

    Official government source

    Base license fee plus per-employee/regulatory fees per the Salt Lake City Consolidated Fee Schedule (fees are not published as a flat range; confirm current amounts at slc.gov or 801-535-6644)1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,500 · 4–8 weeks

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides