In order to assist the transition of business, the Southern Nevada Health District will allow a facility to apply for a change permit holder if there was an active establishment permit at the same address within the previous 3 years. If the facility has undergone a major remodel, resulting in a change of layout or occupancy, or the equipment has changed drastically, a new permit must be obtained. An application for a Change of Permit Holder must be submitted within 30 days of execution of the lease agreement, management agreement, deed, or another legally binding document that allows the business to operate at the site address. Failure to submit the application within 30 days will result in the assessment of a late fee. If the establishment is in operation when the Change of Permit Holder occurs, the new owner may continue operating unless the Health Authority determines that it is unsafe to do so. If the establishment was not in operation when the new permit holder applies for a health permit, the establishment may not stock or operate until the health permit is approved.
Yes, you are encouraged to make repairs, deep clean, and update the décor of an existing facility. Equipment may also be replaced so long as it is of a similar size, make, and model. If the facility remains closed for an extensive period of time or if changes are made to the equipment layout, a new permit with plan submission and review will be required.
Prospective owners are encouraged to review the records of the food establishment they are considering buying. You may submit a records request and ask for past inspection records.
Health District staff can also inspect prospective establishments prior to the sale or signing of a lease agreement with written permission from the current permit holder or property owner. A fee is charged for this service. Call (702) 759–1258 and leave a message to schedule your pre-purchase inspection.
There is no “grandfather clause” which exempts a new owner from requirements in the regulation. Each new owner is expected to come up to the current code.
Plans are usually not required for change of permit holder applicants. After submitting an application packet and paying the invoice, an inspector will reach out to you to schedule a final permitting inspection. This inspection will typically occur within 30 days.
A Change of Permit Holder inspection is pass or fail. A passing score is 0-15 demerits with no imminent health hazards and that the person in charge demonstrates active managerial control of food safety hazards in the establishment. Should the inspection result in failure, the operation will be closed with a fee and a reinspection required. If a person in charge of a food establishment is unable to demonstrate food safety knowledge, a Food Safety Assessment Meeting will be required prior to reinspection.
If the Change of Permit Holder invoice is not paid within 3 business days, the facility will be closed until such time that payment is rendered and the health permit is approved.
Contact Us
Contact Information
FoodRev@snhd.org
(702) 759-1258
Fremont Public Health Center
2830 E. Fremont St.
Las Vegas, NV 89104
Nevada Relay “Dial 711” (TTY)
After Hours & Public Health Emergencies
(702) 759-1000
Updated on: May 23, 2023
