{"id":5048,"date":"2024-03-06T09:18:23","date_gmt":"2024-03-06T14:18:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/blue-ridge\/?page_id=5048"},"modified":"2026-04-02T16:19:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T20:19:42","slug":"applying-for-new-foodservice-facilities","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/blue-ridge\/applying-for-new-foodservice-facilities\/","title":{"rendered":"Applying for New Foodservice Facility Permit"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are building a new food establishment or planning to renovate an existing one, you must obtain a Virginia Department of Health Permit to Operate a Food Establishment from the Environmental Health Office in the locality where the operation will be based. The process to obtain a permit starts with a commercial plan review before construction begins.<\/p>\n

Food facilities catering from a shared commissary kitchen<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/strong>If a food facility plans to cater from a shared, commissary kitchen, both the commissary kitchen and the caterer will need to apply for separate permits.\u00a0 See Incubator Kitchen Guidelines<\/span><\/span><\/a> when sharing a kitchen space with another permitted operator.\u00a0 It is recommended that the commissary kitchen operator contact the Food EHS in the locality where the commissary will be based to schedule a pre-application consultation.<\/p>\n

All caterers wishing to operate in a permitted commissary kitchen will need to obtain their own food establishment permit by submitting an Application for Foodservice Establishment Permit<\/span><\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/span>For specific requirements\u00a0s<\/span>ee <\/span>Catering Guidelines<\/span><\/span><\/a> for specific requirements.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

STEP 1:<\/span> Before Construction Begins<\/strong><\/p>\n

Whenever a food establishment is constructed or remodeled or whenever<\/span> an existing structure is converted to use as a food establishment, plans and specifications for such construction, remodeling or conversion must be submitted prior to the start of such construction, remodeling or conversion. The owner will have the final responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the plans and specifications, as well as for subsequent construction and installation.\u00a0 For guidance on sizing and specifications see the FDA Food Establishment Plan Review Guide<\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Note:<\/strong>\u00a0Construction of the food establishment cannot begin until the Health Department has completed its commercial plan review process.\u00a0\u00a0 All applications are to be submitted to the local Environmental Health office where your business will be based will based in Louisa, Nelson, Fluvanna or Greene Counties. (Include map of BRHD with localities)<\/p>\n

Follow these steps to start the process:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Initiate a building permit application with\u00a0local Building Official where the business will be based.<\/li>\n
  2. Make application for a business license in the locality or city where your business will be located.<\/li>\n
  3. Complete a Plan Review Application<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> and an A<\/span>pplication for Foodservice Establishment Permit<\/span><\/span><\/a> and submit to the Environmental Health Office in the locality where the facility will be located. Application fee: $80.<\/li>\n
  4. Per the\u00a0Virginia Food Regulations<\/em>, owner of record must apply at least 30 days prior to opening to the public or start of renovation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Plan Review Documents to Submit Along with your Application:<\/p>\n