^{Steps To: Opening A New Establishment Remodeling, An Existing Establishment or Change of Ownership}

^{For Plan Review questions and submissions, please email foods.division@porterco.org, or call 219-465-3525.}

1. New construction or remodeling of any food service establishment must meet the standards described in the Retail Food Establishment Sanitation Requirements Title 410 IAC 7-26.

Construction can not begin until the Plan Review is approved.

Porter County Health Department has the authority to issue a stop work order if construction begins before the PCHD Plan Review is approved.

2. New Food Establishment /Remodel/ Change of Ownership Proposed to the Porter County Health Department Foods Division. Click HERE to download the Plan Review Packet.

3. New or existing operator assembles construction plans drawn to scale in PDF or paper format and completes the PCHD Plan Review Packet in its entirety.

4. Operator submits these materials with the Plan Review payment to the Porter County Health Department.

5. The Plan Review will be conducted by the PCHD Foods Division within 10 business days.

6. If necessary, PCHD Foods Division will request additional information regarding the facility layout, finishing materials or operating procedures.

7. When the PCHD is certain that the Indiana Food Code Requirements will be met, the Plan Review Packet is approved and the PCHD will send an approval letter for your records.

8. CONSTRUCTION ON THE FACILITY MAY BEGIN

NOTE: Any changes to the approved plans must be submitted to PCHD in writing and approved again before proceeding with construction. Additional fees may apply.

9. Permit application must be completed and permit fee must be paid prior to pre-operational inspection.

10. When construction is finished, a pre-operational inspection must be scheduled with the PCHD.

When the pre-operational inspection is conducted, and if the facility meets the requirements of the Indiana Food Code, the Food Service Permit will be issued by the Porter County Health Department and operation of facility may begin.

NOTE: The cost of the Plan Review includes 2 pre-operational inspections.  If additional inspections are required prior to issuance of permit, additional fees will apply.

11. A Routine Health Inspection will take place 30-45 days after the opening of a new establishment, remodeled establishment or change of ownership.

**Unscheduled Routine Health Inspections by the Porter County Health Department Foods Division will occur throughout the year with follow-up inspections occurring as necessary.**