The Environmental Health Division licenses and regulates food service establishments (i.e., restaurants) to ensure food safety. The mission of the Lenawee County Health Department, as it relates to food safety, is to promote and assess food-safe measures and sanitary conditions at all licensed food service establishments. Environmental Health staff accomplishes this by assuring code compliance and following the practices and principles established in the Food Code to protect the health of our communities.

Food Service Licensing

The procedure for food service licensing varies depending upon what type of food service an individual wants to establish. The two primary types are: 
 

• Fixed Food Service Establishments – examples include restaurants, mobile units, and concession stands.
• Temporary Food Service Establishments 

Fixed Food Service Establishments

Proposed fixed food service establishments: 
 

• Must submit a Plan Review and may utilize the Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) Program Builder
• Must complete a Food Service License Application and submit with applicable fee

 

Temporary Food Service Establishments

In order to serve food to the public, it may be necessary to obtain a Temporary Food License. This may include food that is served free to the public. Please feel free to contact us at 517-264-5214 to discuss whether a license is necessary. 

Temporary food service guidance and licensing documents:  

• Temporary Foodservice Establishment Food Safety & Licensing Guide
• Temporary Food Guidelines (PDF)
• Temporary Food License Application (PDF) - Submit the appropriate fee (fees are listed in the Guidelines) at least 5 business days prior to the first day of operation (this includes food preparation prior to opening to the public). If your application is not received 5 business days prior to operating your temporary food event, you will be assessed a late fee. You must be inspected the first day you begin preparing food.  
• Non-Smoking Sign (PDF) - must be posted at every entrance of the licensed establishment. All temporary food service seating areas intended for the consumption of food must also have signs posted.