Food Facilities
California Retail Food Code (CRFC)
Our department serves in the best interest of the public by assuring that all food and drinks are safe for people to consume. The food program uses the California Retail Food Code (CRFC) and other state laws to enforce food safety and construction requirements in all retail food facilities.
When is a Plan Check Submittal to the Environmental Health Department Required under CRFC?
These occurrences require a plan check submittal:
- Existing food facilities that remodel, change equipment or change their menu.
- Facilities that are constructed from existing building spaces.
- Food facilities that are built from the ground up.
- Tenant improvements.
Please see the tabs below on how to submit a Plan Check.
Food Permit
To apply for an Annual Environmental Health Permit to Operate, fill out the Certificate of Operation Application and Agreement to Pay form (below). You can pay the annual fee online. When an Environmental Health Specialist issues your permit, you will receive your permit to display in your establishment.
Plan Checks
Though we prefer electronic submittals, Plan Checks are too extensive to be submitted online. We ask that you please turn in all required documents in person or via mail. Once we receive your Plan Check and the appropriate fee, an Environmental Health Specialist will do a review. Upon approval, you may apply for a food permit.
If you are buying an operating food facility, a Business Advisory with an Environmental Health Specialist is required. This can be requested prior to submitting any plans or purchasing the facility so you can be informed of all items that will need to be corrected or brought up to current Code.
A Plan Check may be required after a Business Advisory has been completed. Follow the instructions for "Remodel" if this applies.
Any building that is being built from the ground up or has not previously been used as a Food Facility must undergo a Major Food Plan Check which consists of plan reviews and inspections to be done by an Environmental Health Specialist.
The Nevada County Building Department conducts construction inspections alongside Environmental Health throughout the building process. The final approval for a facility to open for operation is only granted once all work is complete. If the location is within city limits, please contact the local City's Building Department to assist with construction of the facility.
If you plan on remodeling a food facility, either one that you own or plan to buy, you may have to Apply for a Plan Check. Please refer to the following:
- Major Plan Check / Fee: Major remodeling of an existing food facility, or remodel of a non-food facility to a New Food Facility.
- Minor Plan Check / Fee: Changing out a hot water heater, installing new flooring, covering, sinks, dishwashers, etc...
- No Inspection / No Fee: Changing out like for like new equipment, installing new equipment. Must submit equipment specifications to the Environmental Health Department for record retention.
Forms and Applications
- California Retail Food Facilities Codes Reference Sheet
- Food Facility Health Permit Application
- Food Facility Plan Check Application Packet Opens in New Window Opens in New Window
- Food Facility Self Inspection Opens in New Window
- Mechanical Exhaust Guidelines 2019
- Plan Check Guidance Flooring
Food Facility Fees
| Annual Permit Fee (0 Seats) | $595.50 |
| Annual Permit Fee (1-15 Seats) | $595.50 |
| Annual Permit Fee (16-49 Seats) | $833.70 |
| Annual Permit Fee (50-149 Seats) | $952.80 |
| Annual Permit Fee (150+ Seats) | $1,191.00 |
| Annual Permit Fee (Within existing market) | $238.20 |
| Major Plan Check | $1905.60* |
| Minor Plan Check | $714.60* |
| New Business Advisory | $476.40 |
*Plan check fees are based on a 3-hour and 8-hour time frame for Minor and Major Plan Checks, respectively. Any time spent beyond that will be charged at a rate of $238.20/hour.