Opening a Restaurant

If it is a new establishment the first step is to submit plans for review prior to construction. If the building is existing and not served by public sewer the health department will also have to review the sewage system for suitability.

A few weeks before completion of construction you will contact the health department for a preliminary inspection and also apply for a food service permit. Before issuance of a food service permit you must have a final inspection with no violations.

For change of ownership or change of establishment name you submit a new application and fee. Any remodeling also requires the submittal of plans for review. A new inspection may be scheduled depending on when last inspection was done and results.

Caterers are defined as food service establishments and must be permitted. Food service cannot be conducted or permitted in private homes. The same guidelines apply, the preparation kitchen must be inspected and permitted by the health department.

Mobile food service unit means a trailer, pushcart, vehicle vendor or any other conveyance operating as an extension of a base of operation or a permitted food service establishment. Each unit must operate from a commissary or other approved base of operation. The plans of the unit must be submitted for approval prior to issuance of permit.