Permanent Food Facilities

A permanent food business is an establishment operating at a fixed location.  Permits are issued to one entity (person or corporation) for one location.  If you are taking over a business from a previous owner or plan to operate in a previously licensed kitchen you will need to apply for a new food service license.  When changing ownership of an existing food establishment, the original owner does not receive a refund or any proration of permit fees. Licenses are issued on January 1st of each year and expire on December 31st.  

Deschutes County Environmental Health reviews and approves applications for the construction of new food establishments or the remodeling of existing ones. The process begins by submitting plans. Plans are reviewed to ensure that the establishment will have all the necessary facilities and equipment.

Applying for a license

If you are taking over an existing licensed facility without changing the physical building (no remodel) or major menu changes you will be required to complete:

1) Restaurant Menu and Procedure Review packet  - This document covers information regarding food safety practices in your facility. Answer to the best of your ability. 

2)Restaurant License Application - This application form will need to be completed in order to license the facility and issue food service permits.

If you are taking over an existing facility and remodeling or replacing equipment OR building a new kitchen you will be required to complete the following paperwork.  You will also be required to complete a plan review packet if you are making significant menu changes from the previous establishment (ie. a yogurt shop converted to a breakfast restaurant) OR the establishment you are taking over has not been licensed as a food establishment for more than 1 year. 

1) Restaurant Plan Review Packet and required fees - This packet details the plan review process and includes a checklist of all information required to begin the plan review process. 

Please thoroughly review the information provided and if you have questions you can call EH staff at: (541) 317- 3114