Getting to the Finish Line to Open Your Food Establishment

@thesilverhoofcreamery @lksd_social
You have a vision, a dream on opening a new eatery or food establishment. But navigating the health dept and city submittals seems daunting. That's where Simbiotek comes in! I will work with you every single step of the way including answering as many questions as needed and problem solving every issue with you.

Here are some of the most common steps to obtain a health permit: 

1. Hire an architect, like Simbiotek
2. Find the space you want to lease and start lease negotiations
3. Once your lease is looking like it will go through, you can start design
4. Assess what equipment is there, you can reuse, or what equipment you will need, make a list and go online to find which manufacturer or spec you want to use
5. Have your architect lay it out in the space
6. I will make suggestions on what works and what doesn't fit to either find a new size or different piece of equipment
7. Once the equipment and layout is finalized, submit to the health dept. The first review takes up to 30 business days
8. Some items to prepare for:

• Must have self-closing doors and windows, unless you sign the rodent prevention documentation and are not working with milk products
• Must have a water heater capable of reaching 120 degrees Farenheit
• Some equipment may need a hood, however there are ways to avoid this requirement
• Must be able to wipe walls such as with installing tile, Fiber reinforced panels or wipeable paint
• Must have lockers for employees
• Must have a three compartment sink (with floor sink/air gap) and a hand sink, at minimum 
• Must have cove base tile installed around existing or new cabinetry or at the base of walls
• All equipment must have a NSF or UL Listing, a lot of items on Amazon don't so beware!
• Must have soap and paper towels installed at hand sinks and in restrooms. They must be filled before inspection

TIME - It generally takes about 2 reviews through plan check before a project is approved.

COST - In addition to architectural or engineering fees, the health dept fees are below:
0 – 1,999 sq. ft. -      $1,534
2,000 – 5,999 sq. ft.-      $1,931
6,000 – 9,999 sq. ft. -     $3,153
10,000+ sq. ft. (one prep area) -     $3,407
Rechecks cost $408 each and expedited review, if they deem available, is double the fees.

INSPECTIONS - After the health dept has approved the plans you can call for mid/final inspections. These take 2-3 weeks typically to obtain so call early and ask for after hours inspection which expedites the process for a higher fee. If you are doing a smaller amount of updates, you can forego the mid inspection. If you received corrections, you will need to request another inspection and pay the $408 again in most cases.

If you also need a building permit to relocate walls, plumbing and electrical. I can also walk you through that process, which happens simultaneously but often requires engineers to be hired in order to complete the design. 

There is a lot of knowledge and information that goes into getting that coveted "A" so you can open your doors, I am happy to answer any initial questions you may have at [email protected].