Applying For Food Establishment Permits
Please note that submitting the following should be submitted before construction/remodel takes place.
Rules References
Plan Submission and Approval:1200-23-01-.08(2)(a) &()b
Permit to Operate:08(3)(a) to (f):
Brick and Mortar Permits
If the Food Service Establishment is a new business, under new ownership, taking on a new name or undergoing renovation, please complete the following and submit to [email protected]:
- Fill out the Food Service Establishment Plan Form
- An electronic copy of the floor plan for the retail establishment showing the location of equipment including:
- Three compartment sink or commercial ware washing equipment
- Mop sink
- Location of restrooms
- Hand washing sinks (must be conveniently located in all food preparation areas, warewashing areas, and restrooms).
- Miscellaneous equipment (hot cabinets, refrigeration, preparation tables)
(For efficiency of service, digital copies are preferred. Hand drawn renderings of floor plans are also acceptable if drawn to-scale.)
- Certificate of occupancy from local fire inspector.
- Number of available seats in dining area (if a food establishment has over 16 seats, two restrooms must be available).
Mobile Unit Permits
According to 1200-23-01-.01(68),
(68) “Mobile food unit” means a food establishment designed to be readily moved and vend food.
Mobile applications must be submitted HERE for review. The following requirements are part of the survey:
- Detailed Menu, as well as the anticipated volume of food to be stored, prepared, and sold or served.
- Detailed written food flow process, including cooling any foods.
- Detailed floor plan of food service operations and warewashing areas. Plan must be to scale and show the location of all food and beverage equipment, plumbing fixtures, sinks, water heaters, etc. A complete equipment list is also needed.
- Floor, wall, and ceiling finishes of interior of mobile unit.
- Lighting fixture specifications as to type and if fixture is shielded or to be installed with a shatterproof bulb.
- If a three (3) compartment commercial sink with drain boards at each end is required, this sink must be seamless with rounded corners and be sized deep and wide enough to accommodate the largest utensils or small ware to be washed. Two drain boards must be provided, one on each end of the sink.
- Potable water must be provided to each sink by means of pressurized water system. The potable water tank must be made of a food grade material and must be installed at an angle with the outlet installed at the lowest section.
- Location of hand sink to be installed on mobile unit. Hand sink must be accessible to operator(s) at all times. Splash shields will be needed at hand basins if located within 18 inches of food preparation or food storage items/areas.
- Unit must be equipped with a wastewater tank that is 15 percent larger than the potable water tank. The tank must have an atmospheric vent installed at the top. The wastewater tank must be emptied into an approved sanitary sewer. This location must be approved at the time of plan review.
- Self-closure devices on all exterior doors. Presence of screening or air curtains on serving windows. Screening material shall not be less than 16-mesh to each inch.
- A food-grade water hose shall be provided to fill the potable water tank. The hose should either be white or clear in color and must be stored in a sanitary manner when not in use.
- A separate hose must be provided to empty the wastewater tank. This hose must be distinctly different in color or size from the potable water supply hose.
- A mobile unit must be readily movable and not directly connected or hard wired to public utilities.
- If you need a commissary, please complete the commissary agreement form.
- If you don’t need a commissary, you will need a servicing area. Please complete the servicing area agreement.
Mobile Unit Forms:
Mobile Unit Commissary Agreement Form
Mobile Unit Servicing Area Agreement Form
TN Mobile Food Establishment Proposed Design Layout Guidelines
TN Mobile Food Establishment Matrix
Farmers Market Food Unit (FMFU) Permit
Information and the application link for FMFU permits can be found HERE.
Other Helpful Resources:
Food Safety Fact Sheets
Food Service Establishment Rules and Regulations