A plan review is part of getting your stationary food business up and running. You should submit your plan review application to the Office of Food Protection after zoning has been approved, but before beginning construction or installing food equipment. You may be charged an extra fee if you begin construction before your plan review has been approved.
Who
Anyone opening a stationary food business must submit a plan review for approval.
Where and when
Environmental Health Services (EHS) has walk-in office hours Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., and by appointment.
Environmental Health Services
7801 Essington Avenue, 2nd floor
Philadelphia, PA 19153
All EHS services are also available via phone or virtually. This includes services such as Plan Review, Change of Ownership, Permit Applications, and Food Safety Certification.
Please call (215) 685-7495 to ask questions, make an in-person appointment, request a virtual consultation, coordinate payment, and submit an application.
Cost
Do not submit any fees when you turn in the application unless you want to expedite your request. The Office of Food Protection will review your application and tell you what you need to pay.
If you want to request an expedited review, call the Office of Food Protection at (215) 685-7495. There is an expediting fee of $380 in addition to the fees based on the establishment’s square footage. You must have all required materials and pay by money order or credit card before the review can begin. The expedited review will be completed within 10 business days.
How
As part of your plan review, you must submit an application that contains:
- Site plan
Accurately scaled, showing the location of the food establishment in relation to outside features. - Facility plan
Accurately scaled, showing all areas. - Sanitary structural facility information
Showing the finish of all surfaces in the kitchen and plans for vermin control. - Electrical system information
Including all outlets. - Light fixture information
Showing the type and placement of all light fixtures. - Plumbing system information
Showing water connections, backflow prevention, drinking fountains, the hot water generating system, and sanitary waste systems. - Toilet room information
Showing hand washing stations and storage areas for employees’ belongings. - Equipment design and construction information
Including the manufacturer and model for all equipment and information about any thermometers, storage, and sink locations. - Equipment installation information
Showing what equipment will be moveable, sealed, or spaced, and what the spacing will be. - Ventilation information
Showing the design, construction, and installation of the ventilation system. - Garbage and recycling information
Including the type, size, and location for cans, dumpsters, and compactors. - Food safety certification
Including a copy of a City of Philadelphia food safety certificate. (A food safety certified individual must be present at all hours of operation.) - Food handling and menu information
Showing a complete menu and description of the foods to be handled.
After you have submitted your application, the Office of Food Protection will conduct a preliminary review of your application and mail you a plan review worksheet and fee assessment letter within 30 business days. You can also request to have these materials emailed to you.
The worksheet will indicate if additional information is required. After you submit the completed worksheet and the fee, the Department of Public Health will contact you within 30 business days.
If your application is missing information, you will be notified and have 30 business days in which to respond. If your application is approved, you will receive instructions on how to schedule an inspection. Most inspections can be scheduled within 10 business days.