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Food Establishment Inspections and Licenses
- Food Facility Licenses
- General Information: Food Facility Licenses
- Items Required
- Registration of a Food Event
Retail Food Facility Licenses are issued to:
Restaurants, Food Trucks, Farmer’s Markets, Bars, Clubs, Churches, Food Auctions, Grocery Stores, Convenience Stores, Beer Distributors, Schools, Caterers and similar public food facilities where food is sold or served directly to a consumer from a physical location or facility.
All retailers are required to obtain a Retail Food Facility License PRIOR to operating a Retail Food Facility. This includes new facilities and a change of ownership for existing businesses. Licenses are non-transferable to another proprietor, new facility or location.
How to Apply:
- Download, print and submit the Retail Food Facility Plan Review Application.
- Submit application via mail or in person along with the appropriate fee from the schedule of fees included in the application.
- Allow up to 4-6 weeks for processing.
If Approved:
- You will receive a letter of approval.
- Upon completion of your construction or remodel you will need to contact our office to schedule a pre-operation inspection.
- Upon a compliant inspection, your license fee will be collected, and a Retail Food Facility License issued.
If not Approved:
- The Health Officer reviewing your application will send a letter explaining what will be needed for approval and request a resubmission with changes.
If the inspection is not passed:
- You will be provided with an inspection report stating your deficiencies. When deficiencies are corrected, you can contact your inspector to request another inspection.
Change of Ownership – New owners MUST submit a Retail Food Facility Plan Review Application.
Remodeling - Currently licensed facilities MUST submit a Retail Food Facility Plan Review Application to the Department prior to any remodeling or significant changes to the service, equipment, or facilities.
Renewal of Licenses – Renewal of licenses occurs annually with notification to proprietors approximately 45 days prior to the current expiration date. If you do not receive a renewal application, contact our department at (814) 234-7191.
Lost/Duplicate License – Contact our department at (814) 234-7191. There is a small fee for printing a duplicate license.
This page contains items required for the establishment of a food service facility in the Borough of State College. For further information contact the State College Division of Health and Neighborhood Services at (814) 234-7191. Printer-friendly Version
PlansSubmit a complete floor plan showing the location of rest rooms, the placement of all food service equipment, and listing finishes of floors, walls and ceilings. Plans must show all areas of the facility including food preparation areas; food storage areas, ware washing areas, dining areas and any other areas used in the facility. In additions, a description or a copy of the menu should be included. A plan review fee must accompany the plans other wise the submission will be considered incomplete and the required review will be suspended until the fee is submitted. Back to Top EquipmentAttach a list of all food service equipment, which includes the manufacturer’s name, model numbers, and a description of the equipment. “Cut sheets” from catalogs are acceptable if they contain the required information. If food service equipment is not approved by the National Sanitation Foundation, then include shop drawings. Back to Top Equipment InstallationAll floor mounted food service equipment must be installed such that the equipment is sealed to adjacent surfaces, mounted on wheels so that it can be easily moved for cleaning or on legs at least 6 inches high.Back to Top Rest Rooms, Hand sinks and Utility SinksA rest room is required for employees as well as a dedicated hand sink for hand washing in all food preparation areas. A hand sink readily available to patrons is also required. At least one utility sink is required for the disposal of water used in cleaning the establishment.Back to Top Food License and Certified Sanitation SupervisorPrior to opening for business, the food facility must be inspected and approved by both the Division of Health and Neighborhood Services and the Centre Region Code Administration Office. The annual fee for a Health License for Eating Establishment is based on seating capacity and details are available from the Division of Health and Neighborhood Services. There is a different license fee for retail food establishments. In addition to the operating license, all food facilities, within 3 months of opening, must have at least one certified sanitation supervisor. Information on certification is available from the State College Division of Health and Neighborhood Services. . Back to Top Ventilation SystemIf a ventilation system is to be installed, then it must be approved by the Centre Region Code Administration Office. The phone number is (814) 231-3056. Back to Top Plumbing and Electrical SystemsAll plumbing and electrical systems must be approved by the Centre Region Code Administration Office. The phone number is (814) 231-3056. Back to Top Water and Wastewater SystemsThe facility’s water supply system must be connected to the public water system or to an approved private water system. The facility’s wastewater disposal system must be connected to the public wastewater system or to an approved on-lot disposal system. Back to Top Fire SafetyThe facility must be inspected and approved for fire safety by the Centre Region Code Administration Office. The telephone number is (814) 231-3056. Back to Top |
Registration of a Food Event
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Contact Us
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Thomas R. King
Assistant Manager
243 South Allen Street
State College, PA 16801
(814) 234-7191
(814) 234-7197
Contact Us
Hours of Operation
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Excluding Holidays