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.
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, in person or by mail to 7190 Colorado Blvd., Ste. 200, Commerce City, CO 80022, or electronically through the link below.
Requirements for constructing and operating a retail food establishment can be found in the Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules & Regulations - English and Spanish.
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].
Do You Need a Plan Review?
YESAre you: ↪ Moving plumbing fixtures? ↪ Remodeling food prep areas or bathrooms? ↪ Building a brand-new kitchen that has never been licensed? ↪ Adding a dish machine or a three-compartment sink? ↪ Adding a walk-in cooler or freezer? ↪ Adding other major cooking equipment? ↪ Adding or extending kitchen hood vents? Submit a plan review! |
NOAre you: ↪ Switching out like-for-like equipment? ↪ Remodeling the dining area but not the kitchen? ↪ Taking over a previously licensed space and not doing any remodeling? ↪ Doing minor cosmetic repairs that do not affect the kitchen layout? Call 720.713.6200 or email [email protected] for more information. |
Applications
Submit a Plan Review Online |
- Food Establishment Plan Review
- Mobile Food Truck Plan Review
- When submitting your plan review online, please ensure that you have attached a completed plan review packet to your electronic submittal.
Application Tools
Contact
Environmental Health Office
7190 Colorado Blvd, Ste 200
Commerce City, CO 80022
303.288.6816
Plan Review Hotline:
720.713.6200
