Food Safety and Licensing
What we do
Fee increase for retail food license
As of September 1, 2025, retail food license fees in Colorado, including Mesa County, increased. These fees impact new restaurant owners applying for a license, as well as 2026 license renewals.
Frequently asked questions about fee increase
Updated fees will be included in license renewals for 2026.
Increases will be phased in over three years beginning with a 25% increase in 2026. View the updated fee schedule here.
Colorado's retail food license fees have stayed the same since 2015, however, the demand for licenses and inspection services has grown, along with the costs of providing them.
Yes. In 2023, we increased fees to be at the same level provided for in the Colorado Food Protection Act. Mesa County Public Health’s fees previously were significantly lower than the rest of the state of Colorado.
Increases will occur over 3 years (2026-2028). View the updated fee schedule here.
These fees will cover rising costs of inspections and services, ensuring restaurants stay safe for our community.
Steps to obtain a license
The Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) require that any business submits complete plans and specifications before any construction, remodeling, and/or taking over an existing facility. The local public health department must approve the plans before any construction can begin on a retail food establishment or a license can be issued.
A retail food license is required for any operation serving or selling food to the public.
If you plan to wholesale food, operate as a cottage food vendor, or prepare food containing marijuana, please review the requirements.
The plan review application includes instructions for what must be included for review. Missing information will delay the plan review process.
Guide to starting a new food business
- Fixed Location Plan Review — Restaurant, Grocery, Gas Station, etc.
2025 Retail Food License Application Packet- Fixed Location.pdf
- Mobile Unit Plan Review— Food truck, Food Trailer, Push Cart, etc.
Mobile Food Establishment Application
-
Change of Ownership Packet— for establishments changing ownership but leaving equipment and menu the same.
Change of Ownership Packet.pdf
Requirements
Information to include when submitting your plans:
- Plan review application forms.
- Menu or list of foods prepared on the premises.
- Drawings and schedules:
- Chemical and Personal Storage Areas
- Floor Plan
- Plumbing Schedule
- Site Plan
- Ventilation Schedule
- Equipment Schedule
- Copy of Food Protection Manager Certification of owner or person in charge.
- Copy of employee illness policy including clean-up procedures for vomit or diarrheal events.
- $155 Application Fee.
Note: Plans cannot be approved without submission of these items.
Allow two weeks for plan review.
The plan review application includes instructions for what must be included for review. Missing information will delay the plan review process.
Mesa County Public Health will notify you within two (2) weeks of receiving your application packet to inform you if your plans were approved or if more information or changes are needed.
- If your plans are approved, your next step to getting your license is to schedule a pre-operational or opening inspection 3-5 business days before the planned opening date.
- If your plans are not approved you will need to submit revised plans. Review of revised plans may take up to 14 additional business days.
- Approval of plans does not constitute acceptance of the completed structure. It also does not waive the responsibility of the owner or contractor to make necessary changes that may be required if the facility is not in compliance with the applicable requirements.
Letter of Approval
Construction of the facility may not begin until your plans have been approved by Mesa County Public Health and any other county or city permits have been obtained.
The letter will include any requirements and stipulations required prior to beginning construction work; be sure to notify others involved in the project, especially the construction manager, of these requirements and stipulations.
All required permits must be obtained before Mesa County Public Health can issue a retail food establishment license.
Planning, Zoning, Building, Fire, and Wastewater must be contacted too to best determine their involvement in your planning and business processes. If you are applying for a liquor license, please contact the local liquor licensing agency.
- City of Grand Junction government
- Fruita City government
- DeBeque Town government
- Town of Palisade government
- Town of Collbran government
- For unincorporated areas of the county including Clifton, Gateway, Loma, Mack and Mesa contact Mesa County government.
Paperwork and fees can be submitted in the following ways:
Mail completed paperwork plan review and payment (checks may be made out to Mesa County Public Health) to:
Mesa County Public Health
Attn: Environmental Health Program
PO Box 20,000-5033
Grand Junction, CO 81502
In person
Bring the completed applications and paperwork with any applicable fees to our office:
Mesa County Public Health
2nd floor – Birth & Death Certificates Office
510 29 1/2 Road
Grand Junction, CO 81502
Online
Email the completed paperwork to us. You will receive an invoice via email with a link to pay online.
Trying to pay an existing invoice?
Want to know what you should pay?
Mobile units with a valid Mesa County Public Health Retail Food License must submit the Mobile Unit Renewal Form to renew for 2026.
This apples to food trucks, trailers, and push carts.
An invoice will be issued only after the application is received and the owner confirms they are ready to operate in 2026.
Food safety training
The specific class or course you need depends on your role within a retail food establishment.
Manager or owner
The Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is the best training to take. It is a requirement in Colorado that the person in charge at all times has this certification. Several organizations offer this class and exam:
- CSU Extension offers the ServSafe Manager program.
- State Food Safety offers virtual manager and food handler classes and Mesa County Public Health Proctored Exams.
- Manager certifications can be obtained from any of the following accredited Certified Food Program Manager programs.
- Mesa County Public Health offers CFPM exam sessions. If you are interested in taking the exam, please sign up here.
All employees
A food safety basics or food handler course is strongly encouraged, but not required in Colorado.
- Mesa County Public Health offers Food Handlers or Food Safety Basics Classes. If you would like to attend a class, or have our team teach a class at your facility, complete this form.
- Food handler classes are offered through ServSafe and State Food Safety.
- The CSU Extension offers a Food Safety Works class.
Cottage food producers in Colorado
The Colorado Cottage Foods Act requires producers to take some formal food safety training.
- Cottage food producers can take an online food handler class, attend a food safety basics class at Mesa County Public Health, or take the specific class only for cottage food producers.
- Find more information on the FoodSmart Colorado website.
- Learn more about the Colorado Cottage Foods Act from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Special Events with food
Event Coordinators
Special events coordinators guide
Special events coordinators guide (Spanish)
If coordinating events involving food in Mesa County:
- Submit a Coordinator Plan Review 30 days prior to event.
- Provide Vendor Information List at least two weeks prior to event.
- Provide entry and parking passes the week of the event for inspectors.
Food Vendors
Event Vendor Application (Spanish)
Food vendors for Mesa County events guide
Food vendors for Mesa County events guide (Spanish)
- All vendors must submit a completed vendor application to Mesa County Public Health each year.
- Please allow two weeks for processing. Once you are approved, you will receive an Event Vendor License that you will need to provide to each event coordinator.
Approved Temporary Event Vendors
View approved Event Vendors for the current year.
What to expect in 2026
Watch this webinar to learn about license renewals, the application process, and inspection expectations for 2026.
Frequently asked questions for retail food establishments
If you're planning a significant remodel of an existing retail food business, Mesa County Public Health will need to review your plans. This process ensures your facility complies with all current health, building, and plumbing codes.
Extensive Remodeling Includes:
- Altering or replacing plumbing or electrical fixtures
- Replacing or adding major equipment such as hood systems or ovens
- Adding or removing major fixtures like a handwashing sink, three-compartment sink, or dishwasher
- Changing the menu in a way that requires new equipment or alters food preparation processes
You will need to submit a completed Retail Food License Application packet with a note that this application is for a remodel. Once completed, your application can be dropped off in person, or returned via email to environmental.health@mesacounty.us
Minor Remodeling Includes:
- Painting walls or updating décor
- Adding minor equipment, such as blenders or microwaves
No additional approvals are required for minor or decorative remodels, but let us know at environmental.health@mesacounty.us so we can update your permit.
If you are planning to take ownership of an existing retail food establishment, you will need to complete the Retail Food Change of Ownership Packet.
This application is only accepted when the ownership is a “turn-key” meaning the menu, operations, and layout remain unchanged.
Once completed, your application can be dropped off in person, or returned via email to environmental.health@mesacounty.us.
The building department will let you know if a food handling clearance is needed for your building permit.
If so, please complete this form. An Environmental Health Specialist will contact you within 24-48 hours with next steps.
Retail Food License
Required for businesses that sell food directly to customers, such as through a storefront, kitchen, mobile unit, or delivery service.
License issued by: Mesa County Health Department
Manufactured Food Registration
Required for businesses who distribute their food products to storefronts for sale or use by other retail food establishments such as grocery stores or restaurants.
License issued by: Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE)
FDA Registration
Required for businesses that sell food across state lines to retail establishments in other states.
License issued by: Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE)
USDA Registration
Required for businesses selling meat, poultry, or egg products to other businesses, including grocery stores, restaurants, or distribution centers.
License issued by: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Mobile Food Establishments
These are mobile food service units that operate on wheels, such as push carts, food trucks, or food trailers.
Grocery Stores
Retail establishments that sell only pre-packaged, commercially prepared foods and beverages.
Grocery Stores with Deli
Retail establishments that sell pre-packaged food and beverages and also prepare, assemble, or serve food for immediate consumption.
Restaurants
Establishments that prepare and serve individual food portions for immediate consumption, either on-site or to-go. This category includes sit-down restaurants, fine dining, fast food, and catering operations in permanent buildings.
Limited Food Service
Retail establishments that primarily sell pre-packaged, commercially prepared foods and beverages. These establishments may serve limited food items such as coffee, or shave ice.
Routine inspections are unannounced and conducted based on the establishment's risk category and license type.
Most retail food establishments are inspected at least once per year, though higher-risk facilities may be inspected more frequently if necessary.
A mobile unit is any food service operation that can move around on wheels and has at least one axle. Mobile units can be of the following styles.
Food truck or trailer
- This is a wheeled vehicle or trailer that is readily moveable and designed for the service of food from the interior of the unit.
Push carts
- A retail food establishment that is non-motorized, and designed so foods are served from the exterior of the unit and require very little preparation, such as hot dogs.
Mobile units are required to utilize a commissary for filling clean water tanks, emptying wastewater tanks, additional storage, and any other function that cannot be done on the mobile unit because of limited space (like washing dishes or cooling of foods).
Explore guidance from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
A commissary is a licensed commercial kitchen that provides essential services to mobile food units or Temporary Event Vendors (TEVs). These services may include:
- Food storage
- Manual or mechanical warewashing
- Access to potable (clean) water
- Wastewater disposal
- Refrigeration
- Food preparation
A commissary agreement is required if your unit cannot perform certain necessary functions on its own—such as warewashing, food preparation, or storage.
This agreement ensures you have access to a licensed facility that meets health and safety standards.
Food Safety and Licensing
Community Services Building (Public Health)
510 29 1/2 RoadGrand Junction, CO 81504