Food Facility Plan Check approval: Los Angeles restaurant guide

LA County Public Health — Environmental Health

What it is

County EH reviews your kitchen layout, finishes, equipment, plumbing and restrooms against the California Retail Food Code before you build.

When a restaurant needs it

New construction, converting a non-food space into a food facility, remodels that add/remove/change food equipment, and ownership changes with modifications.

How to apply

Email DPH-PlanCheck_Food@ph.lacounty.gov to get a SharePoint link, upload the plans and Retail Food Facility Plan Review Service Request, then pay the emailed invoice (or submit in person at 5050 Commerce Drive, Baldwin Park).

Documents you’ll need

Retail Food Facility Plan Review Service Request form
Plans (1 set for review; 3 sets once ready for approval)
Menu
Manufacturer specification sheets for all equipment
Finish schedule, plumbing and hood details

Fee

Restaurant new construction: $1,044 (≤500 sq ft), $1,530 (501–1,999), $1,865 (2,000–3,999), $2,276 (4,000–9,999), $2,723 (10,000+); expedited $1,566–$4,085; small remodels from $315

Processing time

20 business days after payment (10 business days expedited)

Renewal

One-time per project

Who files

The owner or the owner's representative (architect, designer, expediter) signs and submits; drawings should be professionally prepared.

Good to know

Do not start construction until EH and LADBS both approve, and do not stock food or train staff in the space until EH gives field approval.

Official source

LA County EH — plan check FAQ · Plan review service request & fee schedule

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.