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.