Retail Food Establishments

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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).

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 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

Any fixed location or mobile unit previously licensed with El Paso County, with no extensive remodel or construction, will require completion of the Change of Ownership process.

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