Guidelines for Construction or Remodeling of a Retail Food Service Establishment

In an effort to streamline the process of establishing a new or remodeled foodservice operation, the Health Department recommends the following set of steps to simplify the procedure and save you time:

•   Check with appropriate local building and zoning department officials 
•   Check with the Local Board of Health Secretary to determine their licensing requirements and fees.      
•   Notify the Hunterdon County Health Department of your intent for construction - we are here to assist you.
• Provide documentation that the sewage generated by the proposed establishment will be discharged into a public sewer system or an individual septic system on site. If the system is on-site, a letter from a professional engineer certified in New Jersey must be submitted stating that the system is sized properly for the proposed use. If the establishment has 50 or more seats, a T-01 permit issued by NJDEP must be submitted with the plans.       
•   Submit detailed plans to us and local construction officials for review prior to beginning any construction.    
• Submit detailed plans to the Hunterdon County Department of Health and local construction officials for review PRIOR to beginning any construction           
•  Submit a proposed menu (if a new establishment) and complete the Hunterdon County Health Department Construction Permit Referral Form (PDF) along with a check for $15.00 made out to the County of Hunterdon.           
• When your plans have been approved, you may then secure your building permit.
•  If the establishment is new and has a well, contact a certified laboratory to arrange for a bacterial test. See attached well fact sheet for additional requirements for non-residential water systems.
• Transient (PDF) (25 persons daily usage at least 60 days per year)
• Non-Transient (PDF) (25 persons daily usage at least 6 months per year.        
• Periodically check on construction to ensure that the approved plans are being followed.       
• When construction is completed, request a “pre-opening” inspection from the Health Department - at least 72 hours in advance of the proposed opening. This will allow us to identify any remaining items needing attention that could delay opening approval.
• Arrange for final opening inspection by Health Department. Ensure that appropriate license fees have been paid and that the construction official is aware of your planned opening and can issue a C.O.