COVID-19 Resources
- Social Distancing Public Health Order
- Bars and Restaurants Public Health Order
- Executive Order: Ordering the Temporary Suspension of Certain Regulatory Statutes
- Executive Order: Workforce Reduction
- Executive Order: Temporary Suspension of Enforcement on On-Premise Retailed Licensees and Breweries
- Restaurant Service Visual Handout (1)
- Restaurant Service Visual Handout (2)
- Restaurant Service Visual Handout (3)
- COVID-19 Cleaning Guidance
- Restaurant Guidance: Selling Raw and Bulk Items
Click Here to View Inspection Reports
Pay Environmental Health 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
- Updated PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER: Effective March 18, 2020 Facility Closures
- Inspection Rating System
- Enforcement Guidelines
- Enforcement Guidelines: [Español]
- ServSafe Manager's Certification Class 2020 Schedule
- Basic Food Safety Classes
- Food Safety Information
- Retail Food Establishment Consumer Advisory Requirements
- Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules & Regulations
- Commissary Form
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
- Special Event Plan Review Application Form and Commissary Certificate
- Apply for a El Paso County Public Health Special Event License
- Special Event Requirements to Operate
- Special Event Self Inspection Report