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Permanent Food Facilities

The Accela Citizen Access Portal is the Warren County Health District’s online permitting system which allows members of the public and regulated community to submit plans and applications for new and existing restaurants, grocery stores and food marts, food trucks, temporary food establishments, vending machines, and micromarkets. Typically, we refer to these as Food Service Operations (FSOs) and Retail Food Establishments (RFEs).

Access the Accela Citizen Access Portal

Note: You will be redirected to the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) portal.

Helpful Tips for a Successful Submission

Plan Ahead!

The Warren County Health District asks for 30 days to act on submitted plan review applications for new food facilities. The inspector assigned to your plan review has hundreds of food facilities, and dozens of pools, campgrounds, and other inspections they are responsible for completing. Getting your plan review submitted to our office sooner rather than later ensures that your plan review process is finished quickly and will help keep you on schedule.

Required Documents For Submission

Before you log on and try to submit a plan review application for a new food facility, ensure that you have all the required documentation. (See below)
Accela Supplemental Plan Review Packet

How to Submit Plans and Applications

✓ Step 1: Open the Accela Citizen Access Portal.
✓ Step 2: Log in or register for a new account.
✓ Step 3: Select Environmental Health at the top.
✓ Step 4: Select Create an Application.
✓ Step 5: Read and accept the disclaimer.
✓ Step 6: Select Continue Application.
✓ Step 7: Select the Record Type and Continue.
✓ Step 8: Complete the Application.

Pay the Review Fee

The plan review fee is $300.00. You can pay online here. Failure to pay will result in delays.

Required Documentation Checklist

Ensure you have the following PDF documents and details ready before you begin your submission:

  • Accela Supplemental Plan Review Packet
  • Facility Address & Contact Info
    • Address of Facility
    • Applicant Contact Information
    • Facility Owner or Parent Company
    • License Holder
  • Facility Dimensions
    • Total Square Feet of Facility
    • Square Feet devoted specifically to food
  • Project Timeline
    • Construction start and end dates
    • Proposed Opening Date
  • Operational Details
    • Proposed Food Processes
    • Days and Hours of Operation
    • Food Storage and contamination prevention
    • Cooking processes & Catering Information
  • Equipment & Finishes
    • Equipment list (Make/Model for all units)
      *Must be commercial-grade: NSF, ETL, or UL Sanitation.
    • Finish schedule (Floors, Walls, and Ceilings)
  • Water Supply Information
    • If Private: WCHD approval & yearly water sample required.
    • If Public (non-municipal): EPA approval required.
  • Sewage Treatment Information
    • If Private: WCHD approval required.
    • If Semi-Public: EPA approval required.
  • Plumbing & Utilities
    • Grease Trap size and location
    • Mop, service, and hand washing sink info
    • Toilet facility information
    • Lighting Schedule (including walk-ins)
  • Site & Floor Plans
    • Site Plan: Showing roads, alleys, and outside equipment (dumpsters, etc.)
    • Floor Plan: Must be to scale and include:
      • Entrances, exits, and loading docks
      • Layout of all proposed equipment
      • Dry storage and chemical storage areas
      • Employee belongings area
      • Interior and exterior seating