Basic Requirements for Food Service Establishments
Permits
A new food service permit to operate is issued to the owner of the food service establishment once all construction requirements have been satisfied.
Permits are not transferable. If an establishment is sold, the new owner must obtain a new permit prior to opening. A transitional permit may be issued under certain circumstances. All non complainant items must be completed before the tranistional permit expires.
Inspections
The first grading inspection will occur a few weeks after the food service permit has been issued. Once permitted the establishment is inspected on a regular basis determined by the risk categorization determined through the plan review process. Regular inspections and visits are not announced or scheduled. Compliance or educational visits will be scheduled on an as needed basis. All Durham County establishment inspection scores can be viewed here.
Plan Review Submittal
Restaurants and Food Stands
- Food Service Application
- Menu
- Plans drawn to scale
- Equipment layout
- Equipment schedule
- Finish schedule for floors, walls ceilings
- Plumbing, Electrical and Mechanical drawings
- Manufacturers specification sheets for all eqiupment
- Email all documents to food@dconc.gov
- Plan review fee will be invoiced when application is deemed complete
Mobile Food Unit and Pushcarts
- Mobile Food Unit and Push Cart Application
- Menu
- Plans of the unit drawn to scale including profile view
- Equipment layout
- Plumbing schematic
- Manufacturers specification sheets for all eqiupment
- Operating schedule
- Email all documents to food@dconc.gov
- Plan review fee will be invoiced when application is deemed complete
Renovations and Remodels
The renovation and remodel application is for existing facilties that are not changing ownership.
- Renovation Application
- Updated menu
- Plans drawn to scale showing changes
- Equipment layout
- Equipment schedule
- Plumbing, Electrical and Mechanical drawings if making changes
- Manufacturers specification sheets for all NEW pieces of eqiupment
- Email all documents to food@dconc.gov
- Plan review fee will be invoiced when application is deemed complete
Transitional Permits
A transitional permit is issued when there is a change of ownership or leasee. The menu and equipment for the new owners must be similar, otherwise a full plan review may be required.
- Tranistional application
- Proprosed menu
- Plans drawn to scale
- Equipment layout
- Equipment schedule
- Plumbing, Electrical and Mechanical drawings if making changes
- Manufacturers specification sheets for all NEW pieces of eqiupment
- Email all documents to food@dconc.gov
- Plan review fee will be invoiced when application is deemed complete