Festival Food Vendors

Most food vendors participating in festivals or special events must obtain an Allegheny County temporary food permit.

A permit is not required if you sell only:

Unprocessed fresh produce, or
Prepackaged foods that do not require time and temperature control for safety (non-TCS foods).

Apply for a Permit

Temporary Food Permit

A temporary food facility operates at one fixed location for 14 consecutive days or less during a single event or celebration. Food vendors may apply for one event or multiple events with a single application.

Permit Fees

Number of Events	Standard Fee	Non-Profit Fee
1	$ 55	$ 50
2	$ 95	$ 90
3	$ 125	$ 120
4	$ 150	$ 140
5 or more	$ 32 per event	$ 30 per event

Eligible nonprofit organizations may receive reduced fees with proof of nonprofit status under Article III, Section 302.3(D).

How to Obtain a Permit

Apply online through the Citizen Access Portal or submit a completed Temporary and Seasonal Food Facility Permit Application(PDF, 382KB) with payment to:

Allegheny County Health Department
Food Safety Program
2121 Noblestown Road, Suite 210
Pittsburgh, PA 15205

Applications received less than 14 days before an event are subject to a 25% late fee. Approved permits will be emailed before the event date.

Food Safety Requirements

Time and temperature control for safety (TCS) foods including meats, dairy products, cheeses, seafood, cooked vegetables, rice, and pasta, must be prepared either:

On-site at the event
At another permitted food facility

Food prepared in a private home that is not a Pennsylvania state-registered Limited Food Establishment may not be sold. To help ensure food safety, keep menus simple and limit preparation steps whenever possible.

Lenten Fish Frys

Organizations hosting Lenten fish fry events must have a valid Allegheny County food permit. Organizations with an existing annual food permit do not need an additional temporary permit.

Review the Fish Fry Food Safety guide(PDF, 952KB) for safe food storage, preparation, and serving practices.

Fish Fry Permit Fees:

Nonprofit organizations: $50
For-profit organizations: $55

Apply through the Citizen Access Portal or submit a completed Lenten Fish Fry Permit Application(PDF, 1003KB) with payment to:

Allegheny County Health Department
Food Safety Program
2121 Noblestown Road, Suite 210
Pittsburgh, PA 15205

Questions about permitting or registration can be submitted using the online contact form, through the Allegheny County Support Center account, or by calling the Food Safety Program at 412-578-8044.

Please allow up to five business days for a response.