Important Application and Payment Changes
Environmental Health Services is still accepting food establishment, mobile food unit and plan review applications by U.S. Postal Mail, fax and email: ehrchd@vdh.virginia.gov. During this time, they will accept credit card payments over the phone.
Environmental Health Specialists are still available for phone consultation, foodborne illness related complaints and acute public health related complaints.
Please contact 804-205-3912 for more information or to make a credit card payment. Please mail applications and payments to Richmond City Health District Environmental Health, 400 E. Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Please fax applications to 804-786-9007 or 804-371-2208.
Restaurant and Health Inspection Reports
A major part of the division’s work is permitting and regulating food establishments. There are over 1,100 food establishments in the City of Richmond. These establishments include restaurants, mobile food units, school cafeterias, day care centers, adult homes, hospital kitchens and coffee shops. They are regularly inspected as determined by the uniform statewide risk categorization system.
Anyone planning to operate a food establishment in the City of Richmond is required to apply for a food establishment permit with the Richmond City Health District. A complete plan review is conducted on all new and remodeled establishments. For more information on how to open a food establishment in the City of Richmond and a complete list of all required documents, please review the “Opening a Food Establishment” guidance below.
- Opening a Food Establishment Guidance Document
- Virginia Food Regulations
- Food Establishment Permit Application ($40 Fee)
- Food Establishment Plan Review Application ($40 Fee)
Additional Resources for All Food Establishment OperatorsMobile Food Units
Mobile Food Units are mobile food establishments. "Mobile food unit" means a food establishment mounted on wheels (excluding boats in the water) readily moveable from place to place at all times during operation and shall include, but not be limited to, pushcarts, trailers, trucks, or vans. The unit, all operations, and all equipment must be integral to and be within or attached to the unit. Mobile Food Units now have stickers as a permit which must be placed on the unit in plain view of the public.
Mobile Food Units applicants are required to submit a Mobile Food Unit Permit Application and Mobile Food Unit Plan Review. Please see Mobile Food Unit Plan Review for a complete list of all documents required to be submitted. Please see Mobile Unit Guidance Document for details regarding mobile food units, trucks, trailers etc.
- Mobile Food Unit Guidance Document
- Mobile Food Unit Permit Application with Commissary Form ($40 Fee)
- Mobile Food Unit Plan Review Form ($40 fee)
- Mobile Food Unit Sticker Placement Guidance
- Mobile Food Unit Richmond City Fire Marshal Guidance
- U.S. Department of Transportation Compressed Gas Guidance
- National Fire Protection Association Fact Sheet
- Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle Handout
- Mobile Food Unit Fire Safety
What We Do
The agricultural industry employs a substantial number of migrant farm workers in the planting, cultivating, harvesting, and packaging of the many crops grown through out the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Virginia Department of Health promulgates and enforces regulations to ensure the safe and healthy living conditions of migrant workers and their families during their employment and residence in Virginia.
Need help finding resources?
Call (804) 205-3500 or 211