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 hold a "temporary food event" for foods that are prepared on-site, it is necessary to obtain a Temporary Food Event license. 

Proposed temporary food service establishments: 

• Should review the Temporary Food Guidelines (PDF)
• Must complete a Temporary Food License Application (PDF) - and submit the appropriate fee (fees are listed in the Guidelines) at least 5 working days prior to the event. If your application is not received five days prior to the Temporary Food event you will be assessed a late fee.
• Must post a Non-Smoking Sign (PDF) at every entrance of the licensed establishment. All temporary food service seating areas intended for the consumption of food must also have signs posted.