Food License Application

Starting a Retail Food Business

I'm thinking of opening a retail food establishment. Where do I start?

This is a helpful document to guide you through the process and to help you ensure you are following current Colorado standards.

Guide to Starting a Retail Food Establishment

A New Owner Takes Over

I just purchased an establishment from another owner. How do I convert it over to my name?

If you purchased an establishment that was already owned by an owner licensed in our counties, you can go through a shorter process of being approved to license and operate this establishment. Please see the steps in the document linked below. If you already know the county and our closest office in this county, you may call and a supervisor will get with you to arrange an appointment for inspection if qualifications are met. 

• New Owner/Change of Ownership

Apply for Your License

The Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) require that complete plans and specifications must be submitted, reviewed, and approved by the local public health department before any construction, remodeling, and/or taking over an existing facility can begin on a retail food establishment or a license can be issued. Plans must be submitted as hard copies to 7190 Colorado Blvd., Ste. 200, Commerce City, CO 80022.

Requirements for constructing and operating a retail food establishment can be found in the Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules & Regulations.

Depending on what you plan to sell, ACHD will determine what license, if any, you will receive. Please contact the Adams County Health Department to schedule all inspections: 720.713.6200 or email [email protected].

Applications

• Food Establishment Plan Review
• Mobile Food Truck Plan Review

Application Tools

• Hot Water Calculation Spreadsheet