Environmental Health Home Page

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

1. 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. 
2. 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: 

• Zoning: Find out if you are in the Waukesha County Zoning Jurisdiction. If not contact your local municipality.
• Sellers Permit: Get a Wisconsin Sellers Permit

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.
• Renewal fees shall be submitted to Waukesha County Environmental Health before June 30 each year.

Resources:

ATCP 75
ATCP 75 Appendix
Certified Food Protection Manager Information
Do I need a Certified Food Protection Manager? 
Fire Guidance
Food and Equipment Discard and Salvage Chart
Food Code Fact Sheets
Food Licensing and Plan Review Flow Chart
Guidelines of Food Establishments
Licensing Readiness Checklist - After Plan Review
Licensing Readiness Checklist - Change of Operator
Proper Disposal of Contaminated Food
Reinspection Fact Sheet 
Requirements to Resume Normal Operations
Self Inspection Checklist

Want to know how your favorite food or recreational facility handles safety? You can read our inspection reports. These reports tell you the conditions we saw at the time of inspection. Reports may not reflect corrective actions the establishment made, or the current condition. 

Report a Concern:

It is our goal to provide a better and safer community for everyone. Our online form is the quickest, most efficient way to notify us of your concern. Your submission will be automatically routed to the appropriate Environmental Health Sanitarian in our Department. You may receive future communication requesting additional information as needed. If your contact information is provided, the Environmental Health Sanitarian will contact you with their findings. Please click on the button below or scan the QR code to submit your concern: