Food Service Licensure and Codes

Get a food license for a food service establishment, drive-in or carry-out business, bakery, catering, convenience store, mobile food service, non-profit, or other establishment with these five steps. Ensure you review all relevant health and safety manuals and codes.

Review Statutes & Rules Find Additional Resources

STEP 1 — COMPLETE THE FOOD SERVICE LICENSING PACKET

Download the following materials, or call the Office of Health Protection at 605-773-4945 to request the packet:

• Food Service Establishments Health and Safety Manual - Administrative Rules of South Dakota 44:02:07 (Food Service Code)
• Download and fill out the Department of Health License Application
• Food Service Plan Review Questionnaire
• Food Service Establishment Guidelines
• Sample Kitchen Layout
• Prep Sinks with Air Breaks Illustration
• Mobile Food Service Plan Review Questionnaire | Requirements
• Sample Mobile Floor Plan

If you need a food service license for a temporary event, use the Temporary Food Services Application and refer to Food Safety at Temporary Events.

STEP 2 — MEET REQUIREMENTS

1. South Dakota Codified Law 34-18-23 requires establishments to notify the department of any construction or alteration projects.

   • 30 days before construction starts, submit a detailed floor plan of the food service kitchen to the Office of Health Protection. Layout plans must be stamped by a professional engineer or architect for facilities larger than 4,000 square feet.

   • Submit the completed Plan Review Questionnaire and floor plan to:

     SD Department of Health - Office of Health Protection - 600 E. Capitol - Pierre, SD - 57501-2536

2. If the establishment uses private sewer or water systems, they must be approved by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources at 605-773-3351.

3. Complete and submit the license/ registration application with the correct fee 30 days before completion of construction to:

   SD Department of Health - Office of Health Protection - 600 E. Capitol - Pierre, SD - 57501-2536

4. ARSD 44:02:07:03 requires food service establishments to have a certified food service manager. Find Certified Food Service Manager courses.

STEP 3 — DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REVIEW

1. Department staff reviews the layout plan and the plan review questionnaire.
2. Department sends a written notification regarding approval or changes required.
3. Department approves plan - once all areas of the plan comply with ARSD 44:02:07 (Food Service Code).

Questions? Contact a Health Protection Advisor in your region.

STEP 4 — STATE INSPECTION

During the construction process and before the business opening, the department conducts an on-site inspection to determine compliance with administrative rules.

STEP 5 — APPROVAL FOR LICENSING

The department issues a food service license once the license application is made, the plan review is completed, the final inspection is made, and the Certified Food Service course is completed.