Food Establishment License

Whether you're opening a new restaurant or taking over an existing business that has any food sales, service or storage, contact the Health Department as early as possible in the process. We're here to help you!

Required by any operation that provides food to the public. Examples include restaurants, grocery stores, churches, gas stations, day care centers, clubs, care facilities, bakeries, distributors, processors, schools and more.

VERY IMPORTANT: No food for public consumption may be prepared or stored in the home. Private caterers (caterers who provide food for private events) are not licensed by either Evanston or the Illinois Department of Public Health.

TERM: Calendar Year.

FEE: Based on risk category, use & square footage. See Fee Schedule

RENEWABLE: Yes. Invoice mailed by City of Evanston in November.

TRANSFERABLE: No. New owner must submit application to Health Department and receive license before any food storage, sales or service may take place.

CONTACT: Ellyn Golden, Environmental Health License Coordinator, (847) 866-2947 or egolden@cityofevanston.org.

APPLICATION: Food Establishment License

NEW CONSTRUCTION OR A SIGNIFICANT REMODEL OF AN EXISTING BUSINESS?

Construction Plan Review Form (required by Health if building permit required)
Food Facility Construction Manual (an excellent in-depth reference)

IMPORTANT: All applications must be reviewed by Zoning to confirm that the proposed use, whether a principal or accessory use, is compliant with City regulations. Call (847) 866-2930 or email zoning@cityofevanston.org.

No animals other than service animals are allowed in the food establishment.
No smoking is allowed in the food establishment. Smoking is also prohibited within 25 feet of an entrance to the food establishment.

WE RECOMMEND you contact us to discuss your plans as soon as you have a specific address in mind or a type of operation you would like to open. Health inspectors are available - at no cost to you - for preliminary walk-throughs, review of your scope of operations, etc.

Evanston City Code