Food Establishment Plan Review Process

Program Mission

The NNPH Food Plan Review Team's mission is to efficiently manage the public health permitting process during an opening inspection for new builds, remodels, and tenant improvements within Washoe County. To facilitate seamless transitions for new facilities, provided that building plans are submitted and all health construction inspections have passed. During the mandatory opening inspection, our focus is on verifying that the facility meets critical operational and structural standards as outlined in the Health Permitting documents.

Program Detail

Before constructing or remodeling a food facility, operators must submit building plans to the Health Department for review. This process ensures that the proposed design meets all public health requirements related to layout, equipment, plumbing, and sanitation.

Key Points:

• Required for new construction or major remodels.
• Plans are reviewed for compliance with health codes and standards.
• Approval must be obtained before construction begins.
• Once construction is complete, an opening inspection will be scheduled to verify compliance prior to permit issuance.

To obtain a permit for a newly constructed food establishment, remodel, or tenant improvement, you must apply through the appropriate building department. Washoe County has three building departments: Washoe County, City of Reno, and City of Sparks.

Before submitting your application, please check which jurisdiction your project falls under to ensure you apply through the correct department. Each building department has its own process and requirements.

Newly constructed food facilities, remodels, or tenant improvements will also require a health permit through Northern Nevada Public Health, the health dephartment. 

The contractor/responsible party must request NNPH to make the following inspections:

1. Health Rough Inspection = When the floor sinks are set and before the slab is poured
2. Health Prefinal/Other Inspection = When equipment is installed, and all construction is near completion.
3. Health Final Inspection = At the time the equipment is operational, and all construction and finishes are complete.
4. Then an opening inspection will be conducted under the Health Permit to operate.

To request construction inspections, complete the Building Permit Inspection Request Form.

The City of Reno and the City of Sparks Environmental Control Departments regulate the plan review, installation, cleaning, and sizing of grease interceptors and grease traps. Please contact the appropriate agency for questions.

Calculations

Calculations for water heater demand, cold storage, and dry storage are required for any new building plans and changes of ownership.  This is to ensure facilities meet hot water demand during peak usage and cold and dry storage for the proposed food operations are sufficient.

Please utilize the calculators below to assist with determining the appropriate sized water heater and ensure the facility can meet storage requirements.

Click here for resources, calculation sheets, and other useful documents. 

Contact the Program

Program Email
ehsplanreview@nnph.org

Front Desk
775.328.2434
HealthEHS@nnph.org