103.1 The Department shall approve or deny a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Business application within thirty (30) business days after receiving a properly completed application.

103.2 If the Department approves the application, the Department shall conduct a preoperational inspection of the applicant's home kitchen premises and vending operation within fourteen (14) business days after approval.

103.3 If an applicant passes the preoperational inspections required for new businesses or passes required compliance inspections for existing businesses for both the home kitchen and the vending operation:

(a) The Department shall:

(1) Assign the microenterprise home kitchen business a Registry Number, which shall be valid for two (2) years from the passing date of the preoperational inspection;

(2) Add the microenterprise home kitchen business to the Department's Microenterprise Home Kitchen Business Registry Health Permit;

(3) Issue a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Business Registry Health Permit to the applicant;

(4) Provide a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Business Vending Operation Health Inspection Report to the applicant once a year, or more frequently pursuant to complaints; and

(5) Issue a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Business Vending Operation Health Permit to the applicant.

103.4 New and renewal applicants shall pay the required application fee in the amount of $100.00 for the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Business Registry Health Permit and the Vending Operation Health Permit.

103.5 All required permits and certificates shall be available for inspection at the home kitchen and vending location upon request by the Department.

103.6 The Department shall:

(a) Maintain a copy of an applicant's documentation and microenterprise home

kitchen business’ permits on file; and

(b) Provide a copy of the documentation to the operator.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 72 DCR 011556 (October 17, 2025).