Pre-operating inspection & License Eligibility Report (LER): Philadelphia restaurant guide
Philadelphia Department of Public Health — Office of Food Protection
What it is
Final Health Department inspection of the finished kitchen; passing produces the License Eligibility Report that L&I requires for the food license.
When a restaurant needs it
After all construction is complete and before you open.
How to apply
Contact the Office of Food Protection after plan approval to schedule; most are scheduled within 10 business days.
Documents you’ll need
- Plan review approval
- Food Safety Certificate on site
- Completed, working kitchen
Good to know
The LER must be dated no more than 30 days before your food-license application and list names exactly as on your CAL.
Official source
PDPH — Plan review & inspection · PDPH stationary food business guide (PDF)
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.