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License and Plan Review
- Starting a Retail Food Business
- A New Owner Takes Over
- Apply For Your License
- Environmental Health License Fees
I'm thinking of opening a retail food establishment. Where do I start?
Here is a helpful document to guide you through the process and to help you ensure you are following current Colorado standards.
Guide to Starting a Retail Food Establishment
I just purchased an establishment from another owner. How do I convert it over to my name?
If you purchased an establishment that was already owned by an owner licensed in our counties, you can go through a shorter process of being approved to license and operate this establishment. Please see the steps in the document linked below. If you already know the county and our closest office in this county, you may call and a supervisor will get with you to arrange an appointment for inspection if qualifications are met.
New Owner/Change of Ownership (PDF)
The Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) require that complete plans and specifications must be submitted, reviewed, and approved by the local public health department before any construction, remodeling, and/or taking over an existing facility can begin on a retail food establishment or a license can be issued.
Requirements for constructing and operating a retail food establishment can be found in the Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules & Regulations.
Depending on what you plan to sell, TCHD will determine what license, if any, you will receive. If you have questions about what you are permitted to sell and what license you may need, please call our Plan Review and Opening Inspection Hotline: 303-846-6230. Otherwise, following the links below to put in an application.
Applications
Electronic Submission - Fillable Form Food Establishment Plan Review See video near the bottom of the page for directions on how to submit your plan review.
Food Establishment Plan Review (printable)
Mobile Food Truck Plan Review (printable)
Application Tools:
What types of license fees would I be charged?
The Environmental Health Division has many different categories where an establishment can be licensed at a certain amount. In the Environmental Fees document, you can see what your potential facility or mobile would be charged for a calendar year license fee.