Retail Food Establishments
If You Are Opening a Food Establishment
Learn about:
- Applying for a license
- The plan review and pre-inspection process
- Structural and operational requirements from the Wisconsin Food Code
Guidelines for Food Establishments
Food Licensing and Plan Review Flow Chart
Licensing Fees
You must pay a licensing fee to get an annual food license. The fee is based on food handling complexity. There is also a one-time pre-inspection fee which covers:
-
The cost of reviewing plans
- Working with us on:
- Equipment installation
- Proper design and construction of the facility
- On-site evaluation of the facility before issuing the permit.
How To Get a Food License
- Complete the Plan of Operation document. For questions, to get help completing this document or to contact an Environmental Health Inspector for your area, call Environmental Heath at 262-896-8300 or email us. Once the plan of operation has been reviewed an application form will be sent to you.
- If your establishment is new or remodeled
- Fill out the Plan Review Application
- Send a copy of the kitchen plans to:
- Environmental Health Division, 515 W Moreland Blvd., Room AC260, Waukesha, WI, 53188
- Or email us
Once a completed application form has been submitted and fees paid, schedule a pre-inspection with us:
- Call 262-896-8300 or email us
- After your application and fees are processed and your pre-inspection is completed, you will get your license in the mail.
Zoning & Taxes:
Duration:
- Each license issued by Waukesha County expires June 30 of each year.
- License dates extend from July 1 of one year through June 30 of the following year.
- If a license is granted after April 1 of a license year, that license will extend to June 30 of the following year.
- Example: If a business is licensed on April 1, 2023, then its license will expire June 30, 2024.
- Renewal fees for existing establishments shall be submitted to Waukesha County Environmental Health before June 30 each year.
