• Construction of a new food establishment, interior finish-out of an existing location into a food establishment, or remodeling of a current food establishment may require that the owner/contractor apply for a Building Permit at the City of Arlington Building Inspections Division, 101 W Abram. One set of plans will be forwarded to the Environmental Health Department for review. Contact a Development Services Representative at 817-459-6503 concerning whether or not a Building Permit is required; and if so, the number of plans required.

• Minor renovations involving only changes in equipment and finishes that do not require a Building Permit will require submission of one set of plans or drawings to the Environmental Health Department for review.

• The Environmental Health Department will review the plans and provide written comments to the applicant. The applicant must reply to these comments in writing directly to the Environmental Health Department. Any necessary modifications requested by the Environmental Health Department must be agreed upon before beginning construction. If a Building Permit is required, the Environmental Health Department will notify the Building Inspections Division when all of the concerns listed have been adequately addressed.

• A Food Service Establishment Application will be sent to the owner of the new facility. The application must be completed and returned, along with the application fee plus the annual permit fee, prior to opening.

• In order to occupy a newly constructed commercial building, a Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained from the Building Inspections Department prior to the anticipated occupancy date. Contact the Environmental Health Department for a preliminary inspection upon completion of the walls, floors, and ceilings. The Environmental Health Department will authorize the release of their portion of the Certificate of Occupancy when these items are completed according to the requirements outlined in the plan review comments. The Certificate of Occupancy will be issued by the Building Inspection Division when the Building, Fire, and Health inspections have been conducted and all the deficiencies are corrected.

• A final inspection must be conducted by the Environmental Health Department to insure that all of the food safety and sanitation requirements are met before any food can be prepared, sold, or distributed. The Food Establishment Permit will be issued upon compliance with all of the Environmental Health Department requirements.

• When an existing food establishment changes ownership, the new owner must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy and a Food Establishment Permit in the name of the new owner.

• Contact a Development Services Representative at (817) 459-6503 in order to apply for a Certificate of Occupancy and payment of necessary fees.

• Contact the Environmental Health Department, in order to obtain a Food Service Establishment Permit. The new owner must complete the application and pay the required change of ownership fee plus the annual permit fee. The Environmental Health Department will conduct an inspection of the facility and list the deficiencies that need correction. If no serious defects are noted at this time, the Food Establishment Permit will be issued. Permit fees are not refundable or transferable.

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