Retail Food Establishments

Inspection

Retail Food Establishment License Renewal Update 

Retail Food Establishment License Renewal invoices have been delayed. At this time all 2020 RFE Licenses are in compliance and no late fees are being applied. El Paso County Public Health has recently been informed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment that Senate Bill 20B-001 for business relief has passed. Senate Bill 20B-001 will waive 2021 Retail Food License Renewal fees for the following categories:

Bars and Taverns

Restaurant 0-100 seats

Restaurant 101-200 seats

Restaurant > 200

You will be notified via mail in January 2021 if your establishment falls into the categories above. If you do fall into the license categories above, you will receive a letter stating so as well as your 2021 Retail Food Establishment License. If you do not fall in the above categories, you will receive a letter identifying this as well as your 2021 invoice. Invoice payment due dates have been extended to March 31, 2021.

If you have questions, please email [email protected] for more information.

Retail Food Establishment 2021 License Renewal FAQ 

In an effort to practice social distancing, the Environmental Health Office is currently not open to the public. Customer support is still available via phone at 719-578-3199, option 3, and by appointment only during regular business hours, Monday - Friday, 7:30am to 4:30pm. We are accepting electronic applications which must be submitted through [email protected]. You will be contacted by a member of our administrative team regarding payments for electronic applications.  Check payments can be dropped in the dropbox outside of the Environmental Health office with your invoice number.

At this time we are experiencing delayed response times for calls and emails as well as longer processing times for all applications. Currently we are unable to provide detailed license issuance timelines or detailed status updates regarding your application.  

COVID-19 Resources 

Click Here to View Inspection Reports

Please note: All Retail Food License Renewal Invoices have been delayed and have not yet been sent to facilities for payment. Due to this delay, license expirations are on hold and late fees will not apply.

Pay Invoices Here

Retail food establishments are required to be licensed in Colorado in accordance with Colorado Revised Statutes 25-4-1610 (1) (b). Licenses are associated with the current ownership, location, and Colorado Sales Tax License.

El Paso County Public Health has adopted a new inspection rating system and enforcement policy. Further information can be found in Resources below.

Listed below are links to information and forms for obtaining a retail food establishment license in El Paso County.

El Paso County Public Health licenses and inspects facilities such as, but not limited to, restaurants, mobile food trucks, coffee kiosks, cafeterias, convenience stores/gas stations, drug stores, grocery stores, bars, hotels, assisted and independent living facilities and special events.

Areas El Paso County Public Health Serves

Resources

Completed applications can be emailed to [email protected], mailed, or delivered to the Environmental Health Office.

El Paso County Public Health - Environmental Health Division
1675 W Garden of the Gods Rd, Ste 2044
Colorado Springs, CO 80907

New/Remodel

To Open a New Retail Food Establishment/Extensive Remodel

Any new construction or extensive remodel on a fixed location or mobile unit, will require completion of the Plan Review process prior to construction.

Extensive remodel includes, but is not limited to:

  • Changes or alterations to non-public areas that result in reduction or increase of total space by 25% or more.
  • Increasing seating capacity by 15 seats, or 20% (whichever is greater).
  • Capabilities to handle food, equipment, or utensils in a sanitary manner have been diminished due to a food process, or menu change, that introduces new foodborne illness risks.
  • Download Plan Review Packet
  • Download Mobile Plan Review Packet

Minor remodel includes, but is not limited to:

  • Existing plumbing fixtures (i.e. 3-compartment sink, hand sink, prep sink, dish machine) are relocated.
  • Replacing or adding equipment.
  • Construction is being conducted without a building permit (i.e. lighting changes, finish changes).
  • Replacing a water heater (standard tank-type or instantaneous).
  • Download Minor Remodel- Short Form

Review of Potential Retail Food Establishment Site can also be scheduled with a specialist and completed for $75.00.

Plan Review Office Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday 9:00am to 12:00pm
Pikes Peak Regional Building Department
2880 International Cir
Colorado Springs, CO 80910

Change of Ownership

To open a previously licensed Retail Food Establishment

An application for a license may be considered without a plan review for an existing retail food establishment if you are planning to purchase, or have already purchased, an existing/previously existing food service operation and are not making any changes to the establishment or equipment.  When purchasing an existing/previously existing retail food establishment, the proposed licensee is required to bring the facility up to current building codes and retail food establishment regulations.

Special Events

All special event food vendors who wish to operate in El Paso County must have a valid El Paso County Public Health Special Event License. "Special event" means an organized event or celebration at which retail food establishments prepare, serve, or otherwise provide food for human consumption.

For those vendors who wish to obtain licensing through El Paso County Public Health, applications will be reviewed by the Environmental Health Division, and to promote public health and prevent foodborne illness, the division will provide training and educational services. Under this program, the division will also respond to complaints received from the public.

Operate a Special Event Retail Food Establishment