Food Services - Rappahannock

Food Service Permits

Building a New Foodservice Facility/Remodeling an Existing Facility

Whenever a food establishment is constructed/remodeled or whenever an existing structure is converted to use as a food establishment, plans and specifications for such construction, remodeling, or conversion must be submitted prior to start.

The following Plan Review Guide Letter outlines our process for plan reviews, revisions, and the application process for establishments. In general, the following steps must occur:

Complete the Food Plan Review Application
Complete the Food Permit Application
Provide plans and equipment specifications/schedule
Include proposed menu.

Submit to Local Health Department with applicable fees for review and permit. Please note there is a 30-day processing time for new foodservice facilities.

Purchasing an existing Foodservice facility

A change ownership inspection is recommended before the settlement/closing is completed and must be conducted before operating the facility under the new owner.

Submit the following to the Local Health Department:

Complete Food Permit Application
Copy of new menu with Consumer Advisory, if applicable.
Provide a list of all equipment to be replaced or added.
Plans are required for equipment layout changes, remodeling, equipment installation or any other type of construction.

The local Health Department will schedule an inspection following a review of the completed application.

Mobile Food Vending

The following Plan Review Guide Letter for Mobile Food Units outlines our process for plan reviews, revisions, and the application process for establishments. In general, the following steps must occur:

Complete the Application for a Mobile Unit Permit
Complete the Application for a Mobile Food Plan Review
Provide plans and equipment specifications.
Include proposed menu.
If cooking is proposed on board the unit, provide detail information on ventilation. All hoods need to vent to the outside.
Information relating to your base of operation.
Letter of agreement for proposed commissary or service area
Submit to Local Health Department with applicable fees for review and permit

Temporary Food Events

Individuals, organizations, and/or businesses planning to sell or serve food at a public event in the Rappahannock Health District must apply for a temporary event permit at least ten (10) days prior to the event. Large special events (10 vendors or more) must submit the Temporary Event Coordinator Application (Rev. 5/2022) to the Local Health Department thirty (30) days prior to the event.

Each participating vendor will need to submit the following to the local Health Department:

Complete Temporary Event Application
Temporary Event Application fee of $40

Food Regulations

Chapter 421, Food Regulations
Additional Information about Operating a Foodservice Facility

Restaurant Inspections

You may view inspection reports for restaurants, fast food operations, deli, cafeterias, and other types of foodservice establishments inspected by the Rappahannock Health District which includes the City of Fredericksburg, Caroline County, King George County, Stafford County and Spotsylvania County.