Change of Ownership

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Food permits cannot be transferred between owners (legal entities or sole proprietorships). The ACHD Food Safety Rules and Regulations requires that the food permit be issued to the person or party responsible for food safety and handling.

If a mobile food facility (truck, trailer, cart, and other vehicle) is changing ownership, then the Mobile Food Facility Permitting Application(PDF, 517KB) must be completed.

The Change of Ownership Process is intended for new business owners taking over an existing brick and mortar food facility when:

  • The food facility has been actively permitted and operational within the last 6 months
  • All food preparation equipment remains similar
  • The kitchen layout and/or bar remains the same
  • The concept/menu remains similar and utilizes existing equipment

If significant equipment is being replaced or added, the layout of the facility is being changed, or the new menu requires more complex food handling, then the new business owner must apply for a permit using the Permanent Food Facility Permitting Application(PDF, 231KB) for new construction and remodel in order to demonstrate that the equipment and/or space will be sufficient for their intended use.

If you have questions about permitting and registration or are uncertain which application process you should use, please submit them through our “Ask a Food Safety Question” form, by using your Allegheny County Support Center account, or calling the Food Safety Program at 412-578-8044. Please allow up to five business days for a response.

How to Obtain a Permit through the Change of Ownership Process

To obtain a permit for your business, complete the Change of Ownership Permitting Application(PDF, 252KB). The application submitted must include:

  1. Signed and completed Change of Ownership Application
  2. Proposed menu or list of food items to be prepared and sold
  3. Proof of applying for or received a sales and use tax license from the PA Department of Revenue
  4. Payment of the Change of Ownership Application fee of $85 with a check or money order made payable to the “Treasurer of Allegheny County”

Send the application, supporting documents, and fee to:

Allegheny County Health Department Food Safety Program
2121 Noblestown Road, Suite 210
Pittsburgh, PA 15205

A food permit must be obtained before the new business may operate. All material should be submitted at least 14 days prior to when you seek to open. Please be aware that failure to provide all required information could delay your application; and if a review of your application determines that your business does not qualify for a Change of Ownership, you will be required to submit a Permanent Food Facility Permitting Application(PDF, 319KB); the anticipated review timeline for this process is 6-8 weeks.

 

Making Changes to Plumbing

Plumbing work in a food facility should be completed by a Registered Master Plumber, who will submit for required permits with the ACHD Plumbing Program.

Find a Registered Plumber

Preparing Operating Procedures for Your Business

Valuable information about safe food handling, emergency preparedness, and more can be found in Business & Industry Resources. Many documents are available in multiple language, including Arabic, simplified Mandarin, Nepali, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.

 

    
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