An application for a food establishment license must be submitted to the appropriate regulatory agency at least thirty days before a new food business opens. An inspection must be conducted before a license can be issued. Keep in mind that some establishments may also be required to submit plans and specifications to the licensing agency. These plans must be approved prior to construction or remodeling! The agency conducting the plan review must complete the review within 30 days. Plan review fees vary among local health departments. The following establishments are required to submit plans for review and approval:

•  A food service establishment (local health departments - fees vary).
• An extended retail grocery (MDA - no added fee).
• A special transitory food unit (local health departments or MDA - fees vary).
• Other MDA-licensed retail establishments are encouraged to avail themselves of MDA for plan review services at no added cost. (These fees have already been built into the license fees.)

Food Plan Review Information

• Submission Instructions
• Application
• Worksheet
• Manual