OBTAINING A TEMPORARY EVENT FOOD PERMIT

The following information applies to all temporary event food service that is offered to the public. Where any advertising or inducement exists for the community to attend, regardless of the cost to the individual, an event will be considered "public".

All food service vendors must obtain a Temporary Event Permit. These include existing restaurants, fast-food operations, caterers, churches, community or school organizations, volunteer and social groups. Each vendor is responsible for obtaining their own permit. There are three types of permits: a daily permit, good for one day of temporary food service; a three day single event permit, good for a single event that is three days or less of temporary food service; and an extended permit, good for up to 14 days of temporary food service.

Three day single event permits are not available for multiple events.

Extended permit holders must obtain a permit specific to each event. These permits may be obtained at time of application, or must be obtained in person at the Bureau of Food Protection, prior to the event. A receipt must be produced when receiving additional permits for verification of days still available on the 14-day extended permit.

Before applying for a permit, please decide on the following: Note: No food for the public may be prepared or stored in a private residence.
The use of a Health Department approved restaurant, school, civic center, church kitchen, etc., for food preparation or storage is acceptable with a letter of permission. Discuss this with us.

Food-service vehicles, including rental beverage trailers (such as those from Coke/Pepsi), must meet health standards for temporary event operations.

Temporary Event food booths are inspected by the Health Department. All violations must be corrected. Un-permitted booths or unsafe food practices will result in food removal or booth closure.

The permit is issued "in-person" only, so you will have the opportunity to discuss any questions. The person in charge must demonstrate adequate knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices in order to be receive a Temporary Food Permit. If spoken or written English presents a communication problem, please feel free to bring a translator to any Health Department meetings or inspections. At time of interview we request a copy of your food handler permit or manager certification.

A Food Handler Card is not the same as a Temporary Food Permit. BOTH items are required to operate a temporary food booth.

EVENT COORDINATORS:
These pages should be copied and distributed to participants. It is not your responsibility to obtain permits for vendors, but you must not allow any vendor to set up and operate who doesn’t have one. Please submit a list of your food vendors to this office as soon as possible. Then we can communicate about who has and has not received a permit. The Bureau of Food Protection fax number is 313-6609.

OFFICE HOURS FOR PERMIT APPLICATION
9 am to 4 PM, Monday -Friday
Bureau of Food Protection at 788 E. Woodoak Lane (5400 S.)

Permits should be secured well in advance of the event. Please try to plan ahead and not put off permitting until the last possible day! We may not be able to accommodate you at the last minute.

TEMPORARY FOOD PERMIT FEE SCHEDULE
Daily Permit: $55.00 per calendar day of operation ($55 for 1 day, $110 for 2 days, etc.).
Three-Day Single Event Permit: $110.00 (For 3 days of temporary food service at one event)
Extended Permit: $325.00 (Up to 14 days of temporary food service per calendar year)
Fee must be paid at the time the permit is issued.

FOOD HANDLER CARDS
At temporary events at least one food service worker must have a Food Handler Card or manager certification. A food handler card is recommended for all supervisory personnel.
Link to Food Handler Class Schedule

For additional information, contact the Bureau of Food Protection at 313-6620 for the Inspector assigned to your event.