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DC Health Pre-Operational (Pre-Licensing) Inspection: Washington, D.C. restaurant guide

DC Health — Division of Food

What it is

An on-site inspection with equipment installed and running. The approved inspection report is required for your Food Services Basic Business License.

When a restaurant needs it

After construction and the Certificate of Occupancy, before opening. A change of ownership needs one too.

How to apply

Request the inspection through DC Health's Online Inspection Request form (questions: doh@dc.gov or (202) 442-5955).

Documents you’ll need

Fee
No separate pre-operational inspection fee on DC Health's fee list; compliance re-inspections cost $100 during business hours (9 a.m.–4 p.m.) or $400 after hours or on weekends
Processing time
DC's 2016 restaurant guide says DC Health inspects within 72 hours of the request
Renewal
Routine unannounced inspections afterward
Who files
The owner/operator or an agent can request it; the person in charge must be on site.

Good to know

DLCP asks you to reference both your C of O and the approved DC Health inspection report when applying for the Food Services license.

Official source

DC Health: request an inspection · DC Health: inspection types

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