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.

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.

Temporary Food Service Checklist (For-profit)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 RED Book (English)
• Employee Health RED Book (Spanish)
• Employee Health RED Book (Simplified Chinese)
• FDA Employee Health and Personal Hygiene Handbook
• STOP Employee Health Alert Placard
• Conditional Employee and Food Employee Reporting Form
• Quick Reference Decision Tree for Employee Health

• Cleanup Procedures for Vomit/Fecal Events
• EPA Registered Disinfectants Effective Against Norovirus
• Poster: Clean-up and Disinfection of Norovirus

• Key Drop Deliveries Guidance
• Key Drop Contractual Agreement Sample

• Emergency Action Plan for Retail Food Establishments
• Boil Water Advisory Guidance

• 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 Tool
• Date Marking Label Template for TCS Foods Frozen after Preparation
• Consumer Advisory Development Tool

• Holiday Catering for Large Parties – Can You Do It Safely?

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.

• Basic Requirements for Opening a Restaurant or Commissary
• Sample Drawing and Equipment Schedule

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.

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