Food Establishment Openings, Changes of Ownership & Plan Review

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The Food Plan Review and Construction Program of NNPH reviews any new health food permits in the Washoe County, Sparks, and Reno area. This includes any building plans associated with food facilities.

Our mission is to protect public health in Northern Nevada by consistently and cohesively managing all health permit applications for food establishments, which range from small grocery stores to large full-scale restaurants. 

New Health Food Permit - Review Process

The Food Plan Review and Construction Program team serves as the initial point of contact for operators. Our goal is to support business development by educating potential business operators and their development teams, guiding them in determining the appropriate type of health permit and the necessary steps to achieve compliance with the FDA Food Code and Washoe County Food regulations. This process culminates in a mandatory opening inspection prior to the issuance of a health permit for all food facilities.

Please see following descriptions to determine which permitting process may apply to your food establishment. 

Limited Advisory Inspection

A Limited Advisory Inspection is recommended prior to signing a lease or other legally binding document for full transparency of conditions to bring facility up to current health food establishment regulations. This is a voluntary inspection.

Opening Inspection

Openings of new food establishments that are moving into a vacant location, an occupied location, or a currently permitted facility that is closed and will have changes to business name/menu/operations.

Change of Ownership

Change of ownership occurs when an existing food establishment is sold to another person and the menu and operations will remain the same. Note, health permits are non-transferable whether it is person-to-person or location-to-location.

If the City of Reno, City of Sparks, or Washoe County business licensing department requires a new business license, a new health permit will have to be applied for.

Food Establishment Plan Review Process

To obtain a health permit for a new food facility construction, remodel, or tenant improvement in Washoe County, applicants must first submit their plans through the appropriate local building department: Washoe County, the City of Reno, or the City of Sparks. The specific jurisdiction determines which department an applicant must use.

 

Detailed Requirements & Useful Links

Calculations

Calculations for water heater demand, cold storage, and dry storage are required for any new building plans and changes of ownership.  This is to ensure facilities meet hot water demand during peak usage and cold and dry storage for the proposed food operations are sufficient.

Please utilize the calculators below to assist with determining the appropriate sized water heater and ensure the facility can meet storage requirements.

Hot Water Demand Calculator
Cold Storage Calculator
Dry Storage Calculator 

General

Backflow Prevention in Food Establishments
Environmental Health Fees
Food Establishment Regulations
NSF/ANSI Guidance
Food Establishment Review Form

Permitting

Guidelines for New Food Establishment Openings & Ownership Changes
Health Permitting Checklist
Food Establishment Permitting Process

Plans

Plan Review Checklist
Construction Guidance Document

Contact the Program

Program Email
ehsplanreview@nnph.org

Front Desk
775.328.2434
HealthEHS@nnph.org

Last modified on 12/05/2025