All food establishments in the City of Norfolk require a health permit in accordance with Chapter 18 of the Code of the City of Norfolk and VA Regulations VR 355-35-01, Rules and Regulations Governing Restaurants. This permit ensures that regular inspections will be conducted by the Norfolk Department of Public Health requiring that food establishments maintain minimum safe and sanitary conditions for patrons.

Location:
830 Southampton Blvd., Norfolk Department of Public Health, Norfolk, VA 23510

Contact:
Bureau of Environmental Health Services
Telephone: (757) 683-2712
Facsimile: (757) 683-8878

Requirements:

• Plans are submitted to the Bureau of Environmental Health and the Department of Planning for reviews (include floor plan, equipment and finish schedules).
• Environmental Health specialist inspects establishment prior to opening.
• Application completed at time of inspection.
• If plans are approved and pre-opening inspection is satisfactory and Planning Department approves, then an Operating Permit is issued.
• Certified manager may/may not be required.
• Food service employees' card required prior to opening for all employees.
• Plans for all food establishments including new establishments and renovations or alterations to existing establishments must be submitted prior to construction.
• Documentation of Health Department approval (transmittal letter or inspection sheet) is required prior to issuance of a Business License from the Commissioner of Revenue.

Time Frame:
Plan review should take no more than five working days to complete.

Fees:
Plan review-new: $30
Plan review-alterations: $15
Permit: None

All mobile food vendors (trucks, carts and stands) require a Norfolk Department of Public Health permit and a "tracking decal."

Location:
830 Southampton Blvd., Norfolk Department of Public Health, Norfolk, VA 23510

Contact:
Bureau of Environmental Health Services
Telephone: (757) 683-2712
Facsimile: (757) 683-8878

Requirements:

• Pre-operation inspection and approval.
• Application for permit.
• A letter from the commissary.
• Registration for tracking decal.

Time Frame:
Mobile vendors must seek approval from the Health Department prior to obtaining a business license. Tracking decals and health permits expire on December 31 of each year.

Fees:
Tracking decal: $30
Permit: None

Food vendors at indoor or outdoor festivals are required to have a Norfolk Department of Public Health permit and will undergo periodic inspections during an event.

Location:
830 Southampton Blvd., Norfolk Department of Public Health, Norfolk, VA 23510

Contact:
Bureau of Environmental Health Services
Telephone: (757) 683-2712
Facsimile: (757) 683-8878

Requirements:

• Submission of application and review by Bureau of Environmental Health.
• Site inspection during event and issuance of a health permit.

Time Frame:
Food vendors must submit a completed application for "Temporary Food Permit" at least one (1) week prior to an event.

Fees:
$20 per application

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