Request a fixed food facility evaluation
An inspector from our office will conduct a facility evaluation for the following:
- You are taking over an existing retail food storefront as its new owner. As operating permits cannot be passed from the previous owner to you, you must request a facility evaluation including change of ownership from our office to ensure the facility is in compliance with the California Retail Food Code.
- You want to purchase a retail food storefront business. Request a facility evaluation from our office to verify the business is in compliance with California Retail Food Code before you purchase.
As part of the evaluation process, we provide tools to assist you in making your food facility successful by providing guidance documents such as flow charts and checklists to help you understand the process and associated timelines.
How to complete a facility evaluation
Prior to starting your operations of your new food business, submit a completed food facility evaluation application and menu (should we qualify with "if applicable" or menu is a requirement b/c current page says "if applicable" in step 2). Otherwise, you must submit the application within 10 days of operation, or we may apply penalty fees.
- Complete and submit Food facility evaluation packet which includes a change-of-ownership request. We recommend you submit a completed food facility evaluation application paperwork prior to operating as the facility's new owner. Otherwise, you must submit within 10 days of operation, or we may apply penalty fees.
- Attach menu, if applicable. WHEN is this applicable? WHERE should they submit. Can it be done over email? Current page does not have this info. Can we use this which is pulled from plan review:
Submit the application package by email or in-person at our office between
7:30 am and 4:15 pm Monday through Friday. - Prepare for inspection by complying with the Facility self-inspection checklist.
- An inspector from our office conducts onsite inspection.
- If you pass, you will get your operating permit after paying the permit fees.
If you don't pass and are required to make significant updates to your facility, you will need to draw up plans and work with our office by submitting a plan review.
Stay compliant
Your facility passed evaluation by one of our inspectors Now what? Now, you want to be sure to stay on top of all food safety requirements and best practices.