Food Service Program Links
- Restaurant Inspection Scores
- Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM) Courses
- Alert – Recent Recalls
- Food Safety Partnership Panels And Training Videos
- Food Safety Blog
- Food Trucks Allowed to Operate in Cobb and Douglas
- Foodborne Illness Complaint Form
- Consumer’s Guide To Food Safety During Emergencies
- Boil Water Advisory Guidance
- Food Service Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Rules and Regulations for Food Service
- Georgia Department of Public Health: Rules and Regulations – Food Service (Chapter 511-6-1)
- Departamento de Salud Pública de Georgia: Normas y regulaciones – Servicio de alimentos (Capítulo 511-6-1)
- NOTE: The Spanish version does not include the 2/24/23 revision or the 9/16/20 revision that reflects changes to the definition of “Food Service Establishment” from SB 345.
- Food Service Interpretation Manual (details the public health reason for these rules)
Foreign Language Resources For Food Service Establishments
Resources from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH)
- Rules and Regulations for Food Service – Spanish
- Employee Health Policy Guide – Spanish
- Employee Health Policy Guide – Simplified Chinese
Resources from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
Food Service Applications
ATTENTION: Only fully completed applications will be accepted for processing. The plan review fee and annual inspection fee must be paid at the time the application is submitted. If assistance is needed, you may contact your assigned inspector to arrange an appointment.
All applicants are advised to review the following list of agencies that need to be contacted when opening a new food service facility:
City and County Contacts for New Food Service Establishments
Standard Food Service Permit Applications
Complete Food Service Application Packet (Required)
This packet must be completed and submitted by all applicants who wish to operate a new food service establishment or if there is a change of ownership to an existing food service establishment. For projects involving structural modifications, a completed food service application packet is required unless prior approval has been obtained from the health authority.
The packet consists of the following three documents:
- Food Service Ownership and Billing Information
This section of the packet must be completed and submitted by the food service owner or their authorized agent to operate a new food service establishment or to change the name of an existing establishment. - Food Preparation Review
This section of the packet must be completed by a person who has knowledge of how food will be prepared and served in the establishment. - Construction Review
This section of the packet must be completed by new food service permit applicants and by operations undergoing structural modifications affecting food service areas.
Note: All new food service permit applicants must fully complete a Verification of Residency for Public Benefits Application before a permit can be issued.
Temporary Food Service Permit Applications and Information
Temp Food Service Organizer Application
To be completed by the organizer/coordinator of a temporary food service event operated in Cobb/Douglas County, except for events 120 hours or less that are sponsored by a county, municipality, or non-profit organization. This application must be received by our department at least 30 days prior to the event.
Temporary Food Service Vendor Application
To be completed by a vendor applying for food service permit at a temporary food service event operated in Cobb/Douglas County, except for events 120 hours or less that are sponsored by a county, municipality, or non-profit organization. This application must be received by our department at least 30 days prior to the event.
Nonprofit and County/Municipality Sponsored Temporary Food Events Operating 120 Hours or Less
The documents below pertain to a temporary food event that is sponsored by a county/municipality or by an organization recognized by the IRS as a non-profit organization when the event is 120 hours or less. Health department inspections are only conducted upon the request of the county/municipality of jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nonprofit Sponsored Temporary Food Events
Checklist for Self-Inspection of a Nonprofit Temporary Food Vendor Operation
To assist with compliance with the food safety requirements pertaining to non-profit temporary food vending, please ensure that this document is reviewed and complied with prior to and during the event as applicable.
Nonprofit Temporary Food Service Vendor Information Record [for events lasting 120 hours or less]
To be completed by the operator of a food booth participating in a temporary food event that is sponsored by a county/municipality or by an organization recognized by the IRS as a non-profit organization when the event is 120 hours or less.
County and Municipal Contacts for Nonprofit Temporary Food Events
Mobile Food Service Unit/Food Truck Event Organizer Applications and Related Resources
Basic Requirements for Obtaining a Mobile Food Unit Permit
Details the basic requirements for the plan review and permitting of a mobile food unit.<
Georgia Department of Public Health Mobile Food Unit FAQ
Contains answers to many common questions about permitting and operating mobile food units.
Application for Mobile Food Service Units Based in Cobb or Douglas County
To be completed by all applicants wishing to operate a mobile food service unit that is based in Cobb or Douglas County. Additionally, all new mobile food service permit applicants must fully complete a Verification of Residency for Public Benefits Application before a permit can be issued.
Mobile Food Service Unit Preparation Review
This section of the packet must be completed by a person who has knowledge of how food will be prepared and served in the mobile food unit.
Expedited Authorization Application for Mobile Food Service Units Based Outside of Cobb or Douglas County
To be completed by all out-of-county mobile unit operators requesting authorization to operate their permitted mobile food service unit in Cobb or Douglas County.
Mobile Food Truck Event Organizer’s Application
To be completed by the food truck event organizer at least 10 days prior to the scheduled event.
Mobile Unit Route ListingMobile food unit operators must notify the Health Authority of the locations in which they will operate. Any change in the locations listed must be submitted to the local Health Authority at least 7 days prior to changing the location. Prior to a change in location, the mobile food unit operator must ensure authorization has been granted from the local City/County government office (e.g. Zoning).
Toilet Use Agreement
Mobile food unit operators must have readily available toilet facilities for their employees and customers that are located within 200 feet of the mobile food unit during its hours of operation. Failure to provide toilet facilities will result in the mobile food units removal from its vending location.
Property Use Agreement
Mobile food unit operators must have permission from the vending location property owner prior to the property’s use.
Fire Department Guidance for Mobile Food Units
Addresses safety concerns with gas-fired appliances, ventilation, electrical wiring and appliances, and general mobile food unit conditions.
Pop-up Food Service Operations Applications and FAQ
A “pop-up” food service operation involves the sale of food to a limited group of customers by a permitted food service establishment. This arrangement is coordinated through a facilitator, and it occurs at an off-site location within a building or an enclosed courtyard. Approval is required from Cobb & Douglas Public Health before a “pop-up” food service operation may begin serving food.
“Pop-up” Facilitator Application
To be completed by the facilitator of a “pop-up” operation at least 10 days prior to the anticipated opening date.
“Pop-up” Application and Evaluation Form
This form is used to evaluate a food service establishment’s capabilities to operate at a “pop-up” food service location.
Participating in a “Pop-up” Food Service Operation – FAQ
Provides an overview and guidelines related to “pop-up” food service operations.
Georgia Department of Public Health Variance and Waiver Information and Application
Under certain conditions, the Georgia Department of Public Health may grant a variance or waiver from the state’s Rules and Regulations for Food Service.
DPH Process for Considering Variance and Waiver Requests from Georgia’s Food Service Rules and Regulations
This document provides an overview of the variance and waiver process and offers guidance for completing the associated application.
Variance Request Form
This is the application that must be completed to begin the process of seeking a variance or waiver from the Rules and Regulations for Food Service, Chapter 511-6-1.
Food Service Establishment Modification Application
Application for a Permit to Modify a Food Service Establishment
To be completed at least 14 business days prior to initiating a modification or remodel of an existing food service establishment. Approval must be obtained from the Center for Environmental Health before construction may begin.
Food Service Information
Food Service Program Fee Schedule
NOTE: Plan review and annual inspection fees must be paid at the time the food service permit application is submitted for departmental review.
Plan Reviews
Plan Review for New Food Service Establishment
- Risk Type I: $270
- Risk Type II : $355
- Risk Type III : $435
- Governmental: $0
Plan Review for Existing Food Service Establishment (New Owner or Remodel)
- No Structural or Equipment Changes: $135
- Minor Changes (Equipment Relocation or Addition or Resurfacing): $215
- Major Changes (Structural or Equipment Changes involving, walls, floors, ceilings, plumbing, etc.): $280
Other Plan Review Fees
- Plan Resubmittal: $110
- HACCP Plan/Variance Review for Existing Facility : $225
Annual Inspections
Annual Inspection Fee – Risk Type I
- Category I: $250
- Category II: $285
- Category III: $325
- Governmental: $0
Annual Inspection Fee – Risk Type II
- Category I: $560
- Category II: $655
- Category III : $750
- Governmental: $0
Annual Inspection Fee – Risk Type III
- Category I: $590
- Category II: $670
- Category III: $780
- Governmental: $0
Additional Inspections
- Required Additional Routine Inspection: $225
- Owner Requested Re-Inspection: 2/3 Annual Fee
Mobile Food Units/Food Trucks
- Mobile Food Unit Base of Operations Assessment: $95
- Mobile Unit Based Out of County Annual Fee: $140
- Mobile Unit Based Out of County Review Fee: $150
- Mobile Unit Annual Inspection Fee (per unit)
- Risk Type I: $140
- Risk Type II: $195
- Risk Type III: $250
Temporary Food Service
- Temporary Application Review Fee (1 – 4 Days): $45
- Temporary Inspection Fee (1 – 4 Days): $60
- Temporary Application Review Fee (5 – 14 Days): $50
- Temporary Inspection Fee (5 –14 Days): $105
- Temporary Application Review Fee (Governmental): $0
- Temporary Inspection Fee (Governmental): $0
Pop-Up Food Service
- Pop-Up Food Service Vendor Assessment: $135
- Pop-Up Food Service Site Assessment: $135
Employee Health Policy Tools and Documents
Vomit/Fecal Clean-up Resources
Key Drop Delivery Resources
Emergency Preparedness Resources
Signage and Posters
- Safe Food Refrigerator Storage
- Choking Aid Poster
- “No Smoking” Poster (“No Smoking” window decals are available from our Environmental Health offices.)
- Employees Must Wash Hands–Handwashing Signage
Time as a Means of Public Health Control, Date Marking, Consumer Advisory, and Cooling Resources
Holiday Catering Guidance
Basic Requirements For Opening A Restaurant
For your convenience, we have outlined the minimum basic requirements for opening a restaurant, but please note these do not replace the requirements outlined in Chapter 511-6-1. Potential or current restaurant owners are responsible for all of the requirements outlined in this mandate.
These are examples of drawings and an equipment schedule so you understand what the Center for Environmental Health needs to begin reviewing your plans.
Additionally, all new food service permit applicants must fully complete a Verification of Residency for Public Benefits Application before a permit can be issued.
Preparing an Establishment for an Inspection
The best way to prepare your establishment for an inspection is to eliminate all foodborne illness risk factors. The following reference guide can help you prepare your establishment for an inspection under the Georgia Food Code:
Preparation of Food Service Establishment for Inspection under the 2015 Georgia Food Code