Food Service

Plan Review is the process of reviewing procedures, plans, equipment, and the layout of a food establishment to ensure those proposed items comply with the Food Law requirements. A plan review is required whenever a new food establishment license is issued or when an existing, licensed food establishment is remodeled.

Environmental Health has the authority to issue a stop work order when construction begins before plans are approved.

The required plan review items can be submitted in the following ways:

• Deliver printed item in person to the Environmental Health front desk
• Emailed to: EHincoming@kalcounty.com

• Mailed to:

  Attn. Environmental Health
  Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services
  311 East Alcott Street
  Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Fixed Food Establishment Plan Review

The plan review process for a fixed food establishment consists of 12 parts. The required items must be submitted to this office and approved prior to the start of construction.

1. Fixed Food Establishment Plan Review Application ( Fillable | Printable )
2. Plan Review Fee
3. Food Service License Application
4. Food Service License Fee
5. Provide valid copies of Certified Food Manager Certification
6. Fixed Food Establishment Plan Review Worksheet ( Fillable | Printable )
   • The Fixed Food Establishment Plan Review Manual gives guidance on how to complete the worksheet.
7. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ( Fillable | Printable )
8. Menu
9. Complete set of plans (scaled to .25 inch per foot) - One digital copy in PDF format
   • Include with the plans: Proposed layout with equipment identified, Mechanical plan, Electrical plan, Plumbing plan, Lighting plan, and Site plan
10. Specialized Processing Checklist ( Fillable | Printable )
11. Equipment Specifications (make/model or spec sheet for all equipment)
12. Building Permits
    • Include copies of all permits issued by local building authority.
    • Local building authority must approve all ventilation hood exhaust systems.

Local building authority must issue a Certificate of Occupancy and/or final mechanical inspection before Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services will grant final approval.

Special Transitory Food Unit / Mobile Food Unit Plan Review

A Special Transitory Food Unit is a self-contained food establishment that is licensed to operate autonomously throughout the state for any length of time. A Special Transitory Food Unit must request two paid evaluations from a local health department during its operating season, and must alert the local health department in whose jurisdiction it is operating of when and where it will be operating.

A Mobile Food Unit is a self-contained food establishment that is partnered with a licensed fixed food establishment for food/equipment storage, preparation, and ware washing purposes. The Mobile Food Unit must return to its partnered licensed fixed food establishment at least once every 24-hours.

The plan review process for a Special Transitory Food Unit or Mobile Food Unit consists of 8 parts. The required items must be submitted to this office and approved prior to the start of construction, purchase, or use of the unit.

1. STFU/Mobile Plan Review Application ( Fillable | Printable )
2. Plan Review Fee
3. Food Service License Application
4. Food Service License Fee
5. Provide valid copies of Certified Food Manager Certification
6. STFU/Mobile Plan Review Worksheet ( Fillable | Printable )
   • The STFU/Mobile Plan Review Manual gives guidance on how to complete the worksheet.
7. Specialized Processing Checklist ( Fillable | Printable )
8. Written approval from Kalamazoo Area Fire Inspectors regarding compliance with National Fire Protection Association standards.