Restaurant construction is fast-paced, high-stakes, and often full of surprises — and that’s before you even get to the permitting stage. Whether you’re building out a new concept, renovating a kitchen, or adding a drive-thru, the process for obtaining all relevant restaurant permits can be one of the biggest sources of delays. And in a market where opening dates are tightly tied to revenue and marketing rollouts, even small holdups can cause big headaches.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide tailored to commercial contractors and project managers who want to stay ahead of the curve. We’ll break down what to expect from the restaurant permitting process, how to plan for common challenges, and where expert support can make a real difference.

Need help getting permits approved faster? — Partner with Scout Services for expert support on restaurant projects. We’ll handle the paperwork so you can stay focused on the build.

Know What Restaurant Permits You’ll Need

Restaurant permits are really just the set of permits that will ensure the safety, functionality, and compliance of the space with local regulations. Here are some of the key permits you’ll typically need when working on a restaurant build:

  • Building permits: These are essential for any structural changes to the building, including alterations to walls, floors, or ceilings, as well as major renovations.
  • MEP permits (mechanical, electrical, plumbing): MEP permits ensure that the systems in your restaurant (e.g., vent hoods, electrical systems, plumbing, etc.) meet safety standards and local codes.
  • Health department approvals: This approval covers sanitation, waste disposal, food prep areas, and more.
  • Fire and occupancy permits: These permits ensure that the space is safe for patrons and employees, with proper fire exits, extinguishers, and occupancy limits. For restaurants, this may also include fire suppression systems for kitchens.
  • Sign permits: Want that glowing neon sign on your restaurant’s façade? You’ll need a sign permit to ensure that your signage meets zoning laws and doesn’t impede safety.
  • Zoning clearances: Zoning laws vary by location. You’ll need to confirm that your restaurant location is zoned appropriately for the type of business you’re running.
  • Drive-thru permits: If your restaurant includes a drive-thru, this adds a layer of complexity. You’ll need additional permits for vehicle access, traffic flow, and safety features.
  • Outdoor seating permits: For restaurants offering dining outdoors, such as patios or sidewalk seating, these permits are necessary to ensure safety, accessibility, and compliance with local laws.

The permitting process can be lengthy, especially for restaurants, and every city has its own set of rules. The secret? Plan early and hire an expert.

At Scout Services, we can help you identify the specific permits required in your city and expedite the process. With our expertise in local regulations, we’ll ensure that you have everything in place for your restaurant permits.

Understanding Common Roadblocks for Restaurant Permits

Restaurant permits can be tricky and delays often come down to a few common issues:

  • Incomplete documentation: Missing or incorrect paperwork (like site plans or health approvals) is one of the top reasons permits get held up. Even small errors can stall progress.
  • Local requirements: Every city has its own rules. Some areas might require extra reviews, stricter codes, or surprise approvals — especially for restaurants with kitchens, outdoor dining, or drive-thrus.
  • Plan review backlogs: Once submitted, your plans can sit in a queue. If no one on your project has the time to follow up, review times can stretch longer than expected.

At Scout Services, we help you spot these issues early. We prep complete, accurate submittals, understand local codes, and maintain communication with city officials to keep things moving. With us, your restaurant project stays on track from day one.

When to Bring in a Permit Expediter for Your Restaurant Permits

Restaurant permitting is never simple, but in certain situations, it’s even trickier than normal. That’s when a permit expediter becomes a must-have, not just a nice-to-have.

If your project is in a downtown location, includes outdoor dining or a drive-thru, or is part of a multi-site rollout, there’s more red tape to cut through. Add a tight schedule or backlogged local offices, and the chances of delays increase.

One of the most common pitfalls? The health review process. Unlike your building permit, this step is often handled by a separate agency at the county or state level, not the city. It’s easy to miss or misjudge the time without expert help.

That’s where Scout comes in. We coordinate all permit types, including health reviews, and keep your project moving forward. No surprises, no unnecessary hold-ups.

What You Can Do to Speed Up the Process

There’s no secret sauce here, but if you want to get through the process of obtaining your restaurant permits as quickly as possible, there are a few key things you can do:

  1. Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute to research permit requirements.
  2. Stay aligned: Make sure all your teams (architects, MEPs, contractors) are submitting consistent, complete info.
  3. Check the checklist: Every city is different. Use local, accurate checklists to avoid missing paperwork.
  4. Don’t assume: Just because the last tenant had a permit doesn’t mean it still applies.

And of course, bring in a permit expediter at the beginning — especially if you’re building in multiple locations. At Scout, we help contractors and PMs navigate local requirements nationwide, manage timelines for multi-site builds, submit clean and complete applications, and track permits through every step of the process. All with the goal of making steady progress with no hang-ups.

Stay on Schedule with the Right Permitting Strategy From Scout Services

When you’re working on a restaurant project, permits can either be a roadblock or a non-issue. The difference is in your strategy.

At Scout Services, we help contractors and project managers move faster by managing the complex (and often fragmented) permitting process from start to finish. This includes:

  • Full-scope permitting including building, fire, and signage
  • Special expertise in health department approvals
  • Clear communication with local authorities
  • Real-time tracking so you always know where things stand

Whether you’re opening a single location or managing a multi-site rollout, we’ll help you get the permits you need without delays.

Contact us today to streamline your restaurant permitting process.