Opening a Restaurant

Application & Requirements

Plans drawn to scale and specifications, including the proposed menu, for new and remodeled establishments, shall be submitted along with an application for review and approval to the Craven County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health prior to initiating construction. An application must be complete when submitted, with the appropriate fee.

Other departments such as Zoning, Building, and Fire must also be contacted. The pamphlet "Steps to Opening a Restaurant" (PDF) will assist you as you begin.

State Rules

All food service establishments must comply with North Carolina Rules Governing the Protection and Sanitation of Food Establishments, 15A NCAC 18A .2600.