Food & Tattoo/Massage Establishment Licenses
- General Information-Licensing
- Items Required for plan review
- Registration of a Food Event
- Tattoo & MAssage Information 
Issuance
Retail Food Facility Licenses are issued to:
- Bars
- Beer Distributors
- Caterers
- Churches
- Clubs
- Convenience Stores
- Farmer's Markets
- Food Auctions
- Food Trucks
- Grocery Stores
- Restaurants
- Schools
- Similar public food facilities where food is sold or served directly to a consumer from a physical location or facility
All retailers are required to obtain a Retail Food Facility License prior to operating a Retail Food Facility. This includes new facilities and a change of ownership for existing businesses. Licenses are non-transferable to another proprietor, new facility or location.
How to Apply
- Download, print and submit the Retail Food Facility Plan Review Application.
- Submit application via mail or in person along with the appropriate fee from the schedule of fees included in the application.
- Allow up to 4 to 6 weeks for processing.
If Approved
- You will receive a letter of approval.
- Upon completion of your construction or remodel you will need to contact our office to schedule a pre-operation inspection.
- Upon a compliant inspection, your license fee will be collected, and a Retail Food Facility License issued.
If Not Approved
The Health Officer reviewing your application will send a letter explaining what will be needed for approval and request a re-submission with changes.
If the Inspection Is Not Passed
You will be provided with an inspection report stating your deficiencies. When deficiencies are corrected, you can contact your inspector to request another inspection.
Change of Ownership
New owners must submit a Retail Food Facility Plan Review Application.
Remodeling
Currently licensed facilities must submit a Retail Food Facility Plan Review Application to the Department prior to any remodeling or significant changes to the service, equipment, or facilities.
Renewal of Licenses
Renewal of licenses occurs annually with notification to proprietors approximately 45 days prior to the current expiration date. If you do not receive a renewal application, contact our department at 814-234-7191.
Lost / Duplicate License
To obtain a duplicate license contact our department at 814-234-7191. There is a small fee for printing a duplicate license.
Application
This page contains items required for the establishment of a food service facility in the Borough of State College. For further information contact the State College Division of Health and Neighborhood Services at 814-234-7191. Access the application form (PDF).
Plans
Submit a complete floor plan showing the location of restrooms, the placement of all food service equipment, and listing finishes of floors, walls and ceilings. Plans must show all areas of the facility including food preparation areas; food storage areas, ware washing areas, dining areas and any other areas used in the facility. In additions, a description or a copy of the menu should be included. A plan review fee must accompany the plans other wise the submission will be considered incomplete and the required review will be suspended until the fee is submitted.
Equipment
Attach a list of all food service equipment, which includes the manufacturer's name, model numbers, and a description of the equipment. "Cut sheets" from catalogs are acceptable if they contain the required information. If food service equipment is not approved by the National Sanitation Foundation, then include shop drawings.
Equipment Installation
All floor mounted food service equipment must be installed such that the equipment is sealed to adjacent surfaces, mounted on wheels so that it can be easily moved for cleaning or on legs at least 6 inches high.
Rest Rooms, Hand Sinks & Utility Sinks
A rest room is required for employees as well as a dedicated hand sink for hand washing in all food preparation areas. A hand sink readily available to patrons is also required. At least one utility sink is required for the disposal of water used in cleaning the establishment.
Food License & Certified Sanitation Supervisor
Prior to opening for business, the food facility must be inspected and approved by both the Division of Health and Neighborhood Services and the Centre Region Code Administration Office. The annual fee for a Health License for Eating Establishment is based on seating capacity and details are available from the Division of Health and Neighborhood Services. There is a different license fee for retail food establishments. In addition to the operating license, all food facilities, within 3 months of opening, must have at least one certified sanitation supervisor. Information on certification is available from the State College Division of Health and Neighborhood Services.
Ventilation System
If a ventilation system is to be installed, then it must be approved by the Centre Region Code Administration Office. The phone number is 814-231-3056.
Plumbing & Electrical Systems
All plumbing and electrical systems must be approved by the Centre Region Code Administration Office. The phone number is 814-231-3056.
Water & Wastewater Systems
The facility's water supply system must be connected to the public water system or to an approved private water system. The facility's wastewater disposal system must be connected to the public wastewater system or to an approved on-lot disposal system.
Fire Safety
The facility must be inspected and approved for fire safety by the Centre Region Code Administration Office. The telephone number is 814-231-3056.
Click to Download Application for a Tattoo/Massage Parlor Facility Plan Review
Application for a Tattoo/Massage Parlor Facility Plan Review
Borough of State College--Neighborhood and Community Services Department
243 South Allen Street, State College, PA 16801
(814) 234-7191 (phone) – (814) 234-7197 (fax)
healthdept@statecollegepa.us
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