Navigating the Health Department

When I’m dealing with new restaurant owners the first thing I notice is they generally lack an understanding just how challenging it can be to navigate the health department and the permits required. My general rule of thumb is the health department and your specific health department agent for your area should be contacted before you even lease or buy a space. If you are purchasing a space that was already a restaurant generally they will have had the correct permits and it SHOULD be up to code. To avoid costly construction or repairs a health department inspection is always a good idea prior to purchase of an existing establishment. When buying or renting a blank slate the health department should be contacted at least 5 weeks before constructions begins. This gives you a week to provide documentation that is required and 4 weeks for the health department to approve your “plan.” This is called the “Plan review.” The takeaway lesson if that the health department ultimately has a huge say in all of your construction, equipment and structures in general. The sooner you can open a line of communication with them and form a positive relationship the process will instantly become cheaper, fast

er and less stressful. The Health Department is your friend!