Opening a Fixed (Non-Mobile) Food Service Operation
If you are planning to open a fixed (non-mobile) food service operation, the Georgia Food Services Rules and Regulations require that you notify us at least 30 days prior to changing ownership or beginning construction on a new facility.
An application FS-FoodServiceApplication-2024.pdf is to be completed and submitted along with the proposed menu and set of plans. You may also come into our office to complete the forms and receive a food service operation package, which includes the Food Code (English | Spanish).
The completed application and menu must be forwarded to the Division of Environmental Health with a set of plans (blueprint or scaled drawing) of the facilities and permit fees for processing. Click here to see an example set of plans FS-Example_Set_of_Plans.doc and for more information concerning the plan review.
The Department of Restaurants and Hotels staff will complete the plan review process and contact you.
Take the completed plan review to the DeKalb County Business License office at:
Division of Internal Audit and Licensing
Clark Harrison Building
330 West Ponce de Leon Avenue, 2nd Floor
Decatur, Georgia 30030
404-371-2461
Obtain Fire Marshal approval. Call for an appointment at 404-371-3010. For the cities of Chamblee, Doraville or Stone Mountain, please call 404-371-2611.
Schedule a permitting inspection with a Department of Restaurants and Hotels staff member.
Pick up the permit or request to have it mailed to you.
Obtain a business license at:
Division of Internal Audit and Licensing
Clark Harrison Building
330 West Ponce de Leon Avenue, 2nd Floor
Decatur, Georgia 30030
Opening a Mobile Food Service Operation
Base of Operation Application: To be completed by all applicants wishing to operate a mobile food service unit that is based in DeKalb County.
Mobile Food Service Application: To be completed by all applicants wishing to operate a mobile food service unit that is based in DeKalb County.
Mobile 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. Before 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).
Property Use Agreement Form: Mobile food unit operators must have permission from the vending location property owner prior to the property’s use.
Toilet Use Agreement Form: 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.
Authorization Application: To be completed by all out-of-county mobile unit operators requesting authorization to operate their permitted mobile food service unit in DeKalb County.
Permitting Inspection Checklist for Mobile Units: To be completed by all mobile food unit operators prior to the permitting inspection.
Routine Inspection Checklist for Mobile Units: To be completed by all mobile food unit operators as a way to do their own inspections when the Health Authority is not present.
Visit the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Hosting a Temporary Food Service Event
If you are planning to have a temporary food service event, the code requires that you notify the health department at least 30 days prior to the event by submitting the organizer application along with the vendor application(s) and the applicable payment(s).
For more information
- Business License: 404-371-2461 or 404-371-2462
- Fire Marshal: 404-371-3010
For the cities of Chamblee, Doraville or Stone Mountain, call 404-371-2611 - Planning and Development: 404-371-6208
- Sanitation Division: 404-294-2400
- Watershed Management: 770-621-7200
- Food Service Resource Associates, LLC
Other Helpful Documents