Requirements for Opening a Retail Food Establishment

• A Retail Food Establishment Application shall be completed and returned to the Cape May County Department of Health. In addition to the application, the proposed menu, drawing or plan of the facility layout (see below) and $100 application fee shall be submitted. (There is no fee for non-profit organizations.)

• New construction or renovations to existing facilities require a full set of architectural plans to be submitted for review. Plans shall include all lighting, ventilation, plumbing and equipment layouts. All equipment shall be clearly labeled. Equipment specifications may be requested.

• Existing (turnkey) facilities may submit hand drawn plans, however, scale and proportions should be as close as possible.

• Plan submittals shall be in accordance with NJ’s Food Code, NJAC 8:24 – Sanitation in Retail Food Establishments (Chapter 24). The Code may be obtained from this Department or accessed online at: http://www.state.nj.us/health/ceohs/documents/food-drug-safety/chapter24_effective_1207.pdf

• The submitted information will be reviewed within 14 days by a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS). Once reviewed, a letter will be issued to the applicant indicating whether the application was approved. Any deficiencies will be included in this letter.

The Construction Office of the municipality in which the establishment is located will also receive a copy (new construction/renovations only). This letter is required prior to construction permits being issued.

• A preoperational inspection is required for all establishments (new construction/renovation or changes in ownership) prior to opening to the public. At least one week’s notice shall be given for this inspection. All equipment shall be turned on (refrigeration, freezers, dishwasher) and necessary supplies on site at this time. See the last page of application for checklist of items required for the preoperational inspection.

If all requirements are met, the facility will receive a report at the conclusion of the preoperational inspection stating that the establishment is approved to open. This report shall be provided to the municipality for issuance of a mercantile license (if applicable).

• Approximately one month after opening, an unannounced, routine inspection is conducted by the REHS and on a routine basis thereafter. Completed applications and accompanying documents can be mailed to the address below:

Cape May County Department of Health

Environmental Services Division

4 Moore Rd. DN 601

Cape May Court House, NJ 08210