Food Permit Guidelines - Information Packet

New Establishments

If your food establishment has never been licensed:

1. A plan review is required before construction. The Construction Guide is available online or at any Environmental Health office.
2. Submit a completed plan review application, including:
• Facility floor plan
• Intended menu
• Applicable plan review fee
3. Environmental Health will review your plans.
4. You will receive written approval or conditional approval letter.
5. Construction may begin only after approval is received.
6. Once construction is complete, schedule a final construction inspection.
7. If approved, you can apply for your license by submitting:
• Application to Operate
• Lease Agreement or mortgage statement
• U.S. Identification
• Applicable license fee
8. After your license is issued, an opening inspection will be conducted within 30 days.

Existing Establishments

If the facility has been previously licensed and no changes are proposed:

1. Request a consultation inspection (fee required prior to inspection).
2. If approved, you may obtain your license by submitting

o   Application to Operate

o   Lease Agreement or mortgage statement

o   U.S. Identification

o   Applicable license fee  

3. A plan review may still be required at the discretion of Environmental Health.

Additional Requirements

• All food workers must obtain a Food Handler Card within 30 days of employment.
• Each establishment must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM):
• Onsite during hours of food operations when involving higher risk foods, processes, or serving highly susceptible populations
• Available during hours of food operations when involving lower risk food or food handling processes.

Certain food establishments are exempt from the CFPM requirement and may include (but are not limited to): Establishments offering only commercially pre-packaged food, bottled water plants, vending operations, temporary food establishments, private membership clubs, warehouses, distributors, and similar operations.

Note: Additional training may be required if repeated violations or risk factors are identified.

New Establishments

1. Complete a plan review prior to construction.
2. Submit:
• Plan review application
• Facility floor plan
• Applicable fee
• Laboratory test results meeting federal bottled water standards (21 CFR 165.110)
3. Plans will be reviewed and an approval letter issued.
4. Construction may begin only after approval.
5. Schedule a final inspection upon completion.
6. If approved, your permit will be issued.

Existing Establishments

1. Request a consultation inspection (fee required).
2. If approved, you may obtain your permit to operate.
3. A plan review may be required depending on changes or conditions.

Timeframes are established under the Arizona Administrative Code (R9-8-108 and R9-8-204):

• Food Establishment License: 90 days total
• Plan Review Approval: 90 days total
• HACCP Plan Approval: 90 days total
• Variance Requests: 90 days total

Time frames can be found in the Arizona Administrative Code, R9-8-108 and R9-8-204.