Permits for Food Establishments

Whenever a food establishment is constructed or remodeled or whenever 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 commencement 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.

NEW RESTAURANT(proposed to be built) CHECKLIST:

• Apply for a Business license
• Submit completed Plan review Application to Health Department
• Submit Plan Review Fee to Health Department
• Submit four sets of plans/architectural drawings to Health Department
• Provide copy of Menu
• Provide Spec Sheet/Cut Sheet for All equipment specified on the Equipment List (Manufacturer's Specifications) including the water heater

ONCE CONSTRUCTION IS COMPLETED:

• Provide Permit Application with Permit Fee to Health Department
• Provide Food Manager Certification: ORS Interactive, Inc.; 703-533-7600
• Provide Plumbing Inspection and Approval
• Provide Mechanical Inspection and Approval
• Provide Fire Marshal Systems Section Approval
• Provide Fire Marshal Inspection Section Occupancy Inspection Approval
• Contact the Health Department in person or by phone 703-246-2510 to schedule a Final Inspection
• Provide Building Inspection and Approval
• Provide Site Inspection and Approval
• Open for Business once all approvals are granted, Health Department Permit is issued and Non-Residential Use Permit (Occupancy Permit) is issued.

Note:
Food Establishments are required to have a Certified Food Manager (CFM) on site during times of food preparation and operation of the establishment and are expected to oversee all aspects of safe food handling. Contact ORS Interactive, Inc at 703-533-7600 for information on tests and the certification process.

CHANGE of OWNERSHIP (of an existing establishment):

CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP INSPECTIONS MUST BE CONDUCTED BEFORE THE SETTLEMENT/CLOSING IS COMPLETED.

Provide Business License

• Provide Business License
• Submit completed Permit Application to Health Department
• Submit Permit fee
• Provide copy of New Menu
• Provide a list of all Equipment to be replaced or added
• Contact Health Department in person or by phone 703-246-2444 to make arrangements for change of ownership Inspection
• Plans will be required for any major changes to equipment layout etc.

COUNTY AGENCIES

Business License 703-222-8234
Commercial Inspection 703-324-1910
Electrical 703-324-1910
Fire Marshall 703-246-4800
Plan Review 703-246-2510
Zoning (Occupancy Permit) 703-222-1082
Final Inspection for Plumbing,
Electrical, Mechanical & Building 703-222-0455


NON-COUNTY AGENCIES

City of Fairfax:
10455 Armstrong Street
Fairfax, VA 22030
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. weekdays
Residential and Non-residential Use Permits 703-385-7820
Business Licenses-Commissioner of the Revenue 703-385-7880

City of Falls Church:
300 Park Avenue
Falls Church, VA 22046
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.weekdays

Business License
Commissioner of the Revenue 703-248-5019