Food Service Permits

Step 1.Review Cover Letter

Before you begin, carefully read the cover letter of the application for your type of facility.

If you have any questions about the application process, please call the Environmental Health Services Division at (845) 340-3010.

Step 2.Gather Insurance Documents

New York State Law requires every facility to have workers’ compensation and disability insurance or to have a CE-200 Exemption form from the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. Learn more about required insurance forms and gather your documents.

Step 3.Complete Application

If you are applying on behalf of a permanent establishment, complete the Application for a Permit to Operate (DOH-3915).

If you are applying for a temporary food service event, complete the Temporary Food Service Event Application(PDF, 82KB).

Step 4.Obtain Commissary Agreement Letter (Food trucks/Pushcarts Only)

Mobile units (food trucks) and push carts are required to select a commissary to service their unit(s) during the operating season. The commissary serves as the base of operations and is the location where both the mobile unit and all equipment, utensils, and facilities are serviced, cleaned, and sanitized.

Your commissary must complete an Agreement Letter(PDF, 79KB) for you to submit as proof that you have permission to use their facility. Additionally, if the chosen facility is not regulated by this Department, you must also obtain a copy of the current permit or license issued by the regulatory agency.

Step 5.Water Sample

Any facility that draws water from a well must submit a satisfactory water sample before commencing operation. 

Step 6.Prepare Payment

Refer to the cover letter to determine your application fee. Include water sample fee and late fee, if applicable. 

You may pay by cash, check, or money order. If paying by check or money order, make payable to: Ulster County Commissioner of Finance.

ALL APPLICATION/PERMIT FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE

Step 7.Submit Application

You may send your application by mail, or deliver it in person during our business hours to:

Ulster County Department of Health
Environmental Health Services
239 Golden Hill Lane
Kingston, New York 12401

Make sure to include:

• Fully completed application
• Insurance documents (WC/DB or CE200)
• Fee
• Commissary Agreement Letter and commissary permit/license, if required. (Mobile units/Push carts only)
• Water sample, if required.
• Any other information or documentation specified in the cover letter.

The application cannot be processed if ANY of the required information is missing or incomplete. Incomplete applications will be returned and subject to a $75.00 late fee, if applicable.

Step 8.Pre-Operation Inspection

Once your application is received, the Department of Health will inspect your facility. Prepare for your inspection by making sure your kitchen meets all requirements.

If any deficiencies are found, more preoperational inspection(s) will be required.

Step 9.Permit Issued

If the preoperational inspection is satisfactory and the facility is fully compliant with code requirements, the Department of Health will issue your permit.