Restaurant Permits & Licenses in Ann Arbor, MI

Filed with county clerk; searchable online via LARA. Renew every 5 years for $10.

Required for all LLCs. Annual report required ($25 fee, due Feb 15). Source updated 2024.

Free online registration via Michigan Treasury Online (MTO).

Plan review required pre-opening ($100+ fee). Fee schedule: https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/-/media/Project/Websites/mdard/Publicatons/Food/Food_Law_Licensing_Fees.pdf?rev=...

At least one Certified Food Safety Manager (ServSafe or equivalent) required on staff. 5-year certification.

Multiple classes (e.g., On-Premises, SDM). Local approval required. Fees: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/-/media/Project/Websites/lara/MLCC/Forms/Liquor-Licensing/LLCC-200.pdf

Filed online. Required for all LLCs to maintain good standing.

Required for MI income tax withholding. Register via Michigan Treasury Online.

Most restaurants file monthly; quarterly filing is allowed if average monthly tax liability < $1,000.

If the LLC elects to be taxed as a corporation, register for Michigan Corporate Income Tax instead.

Quarterly deposits required if withholding exceeds $100 per quarter; otherwise annual filing may be permitted.

Employers must also file an annual UI report (Form UI-1) by March 31.

Registration required before first sale of alcohol; obtain a Liquor License from the MLCC.

The city also imposes a 0.5 % restaurant privilege tax on gross receipts, reported with the annual license renewal.

Grand Rapids also requires a separate food service permit from the Health Department.

Required for all businesses operating within Detroit city limits; restaurants categorized under food service

Zoning Verification Letter confirms compliance with Detroit Zoning Ordinance No. 477; effective updates as of 2023

Specific to commercial kitchen installations; plan review required

Complies with Detroit Sign Ordinance Chapter 9-4-1

Plan review required pre-opening ($300+); includes inspections for food handling

Required for places of assembly >50 occupants; hood suppression system inspection

Requires sign-off from fire, health, building inspections

Must register with Detroit Fire Alarm Office

Example for non-Detroit; county-specific; plan review $250+

Requires Michigan Food Law compliance; local enforcement

Employers may obtain coverage through a private insurer, a self‑insurance program, or the state‑run Michigan Workers' Compensation Fund.

State law does not mandate general liability, but it is strongly recommended to protect against third‑party bodily injury or property damage claims.

Professional liability is generally not required for restaurants unless the business provides specialized consulting or catering services that could be subject to professional negligence claims.

The $5,000 surety bond protects the state and the public against violations of health and safety regulations.

Michigan’s minimum auto liability limits apply; many insurers recommend higher limits for commercial use.

Requires obtaining an EIN, filing Form 941 quarterly, and issuing W‑2s to employees.

Key standards include hazard communication, bloodborne pathogens, personal protective equipment, and machine guarding.

Includes accessible entrances, seating, restrooms, and service animals.

All service technicians must be EPA‑certified; keep logs of refrigerant purchases and disposals.

Many states require a grease interceptor; EPA oversees the permit process.

Most restaurants are considered “small quantity generators” and have simplified requirements.

Claims about “healthy,” “low‑fat,” or “organic” must be substantiated; disclosures required for pricing.

Most restaurants that only serve food on‑premises are exempt, but if they sell packaged foods (e.g., sauces) across state lines, registration is required.

State licensing is also required; the federal permit is a prerequisite for most states.

Includes minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping, and child‑labor rules.

While not mandated, many restaurant owners obtain product liability coverage to protect against claims of foodborne illness or contamination.

MLCC requires a minimum $1 M per occurrence liquor liability policy (or a $2 M aggregate) for all establishments that serve alcohol.

These two requirements are the only insurance/bond mandates that are expressly required by Michigan state law for restaurants.

Required for filing federal tax returns, opening bank accounts, and hiring employees.

Multi‑member LLC files Form 1065 with Schedule K‑1s to members; single‑member files Schedule C with Form 1040.

Applies only if the employee meets the 12‑month/1,250‑hour criteria.

Must be completed for every new hire regardless of citizenship status.

Due to maintain good standing of the LLC. Filing can be completed online via LARA’s Corporations Online portal.

New registrants may be assigned a monthly filing schedule; others may file quarterly.

LLCs taxed as partnerships must file Form 518. Estimated tax payments are due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year.

Reports are filed electronically via the Michigan UI portal.

Submission is electronic through the MWCA’s online portal.

Renewal requires submission of the Food Service License Application and payment of the applicable fee. Inspection may be required at renewal.

Renewal is completed online via the MLCC’s e‑License system.

Inspection includes review of food safety practices, temperature controls, and employee hygiene.

Fire marshal checks egress routes, fire extinguishers, and suppression system maintenance.

The 300A summary must be posted in a conspicuous place where employees can see it.

Includes Minimum Wage, FLSA, Family & Medical Leave, etc.

Poster includes Michigan minimum wage, paid sick leave, and other state labor notices.

At least one manager on staff must hold a current CFPM credential.

Include sales tax records, UI reports, workers’ comp reports, and food safety logs.

Check with the specific city’s planning department for exact renewal schedule.