Before beginning construction, renovation, or operation:
Any facility that provides potentially hazardous foods to the public for pay must obtain approval from the Health Department prior to operation. Potentially hazardous foods include, but are not limited to, milk and milk products, meat, fish, poultry, cheese, raw seed sprouts, sliced melons, and a number of prepared vegetable products. In addition, plans must be submitted prior to construction or changes in the dimensions of food preparation areas, seating capacity, or the addition of rooms to existing food service facilities.
The following items must be submitted for review:
- A completed plan review application and a menu indicating the items to be prepared/served.
- A site plan which identifies facility property lines, parking areas, and the location of outside solid waste and grease storage containers.
- Details indicating equipment design, layout, and placement. The drawing must be accurately drawn to scale and the scale used identified on the plan. A complete equipment list including make and model numbers or manufacturers specifications must also be included.
- Complete plumbing details which includes type of water supply and wastewater disposal, water supply piping, backflow prevention devices, and water heater (hot water generating equipment) specifications.
- Wastewater information indicating the placement and direction of piping to include floor drains, floor sinks, and complete toilet specifications.
- Complete finish schedule for floors, walls, and ceilings identifying the materials, color, and composition of these surfaces.
- Electrical specifications identifying the placement of outlets, junction boxes, and panels.
- Schedule of lighting fixtures and methods of shielding bulbs in food preparation, storage, and warewashing areas.
- Ventilation diagram of exhaust, return, and hood system specifications
Buying, Assuming, or Re-Opening an Existing Establishment:
Any given restaurant may be operating with a number of equipment or construction deficiencies for which the management has elected to take point deductions on each sanitation inspection. If you purchase an existing food service facility that has such deficiencies, you may be able to obtain a “transitional permit” allowing you to continue to operate the facility. During the transitional permitting inspection, all existing non-compliant items will be listed on the transitional permit and must be corrected within 180 days, even those the current owner has elected to take point deductions for. Some changes may require the submission of plans for review.
If a transitional permit is issued, it will expire at the end of 180 days. At that time, all items listed on the transitional permit must be complete to obtain a full operation permit. If a full operating permit is not obtained, the facility must close until the remaining items are complete. A transitional permit can not be transferred, extended, or renewed.
Please note that only minor construction and equipment violations can be addressed on a transitional permit. If violations exist that would constitute an imminent hazard to public health, a transitional permit will not be issued and the facility must cease operation immediately. Likewise, cleanliness of the facility cannot be addressed on the transitional permit. Appropriate sanitary conditions must be maintained at all times of operation.
For further information on plan review and permitting of establishments, please contact the Registered Environmental Health Specialist in your county.
Plan Review Fees
Food Service Facilities: $250.00 (New construction or full remodel)
Lodging Facilities: $250.00 (New construction or full remodel)