I am building or renovating a food business

Building or renovating a food business

If you are constructing a new food premises or renovating an existing one, you must submit plans for assessment before building.

What I need to know

Before starting a business, you will need to check with Council’s Planning team to ensure that the land use is suitable for your intended activities.
The structure and fit-out of your food business must comply with the requirements of the Food Act 2006 and the Food Standards Code. If any aspects of the design or construction do not initially meet these requirements, Council will work with you to identify practical and acceptable solutions to achieve compliance
Bona Fide Charitable or Community Organisation should also provide evidence of their non-profit status.
We will generally approve plans within 20 days of them being submitted.
You may also need to check with other areas for any additional requirements:
- Councils Building section (07) 3810 6130
- Council’s Plumbing section (07) 3810 6130
- Urban Utilities 13 26 57
If additional inspections are required, further inspection fees may apply.

How do I apply?

Step 1 - Design Assessment:

Complete the Application for Food Business Design - Assessment for New Business or Refurbishment to Existing Food Business ^{(PDF, 205.4KB)} application form.
Include plans of the layout (size A3) showing all details (floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, equipment, benches, storage, cleaning, sinks, etc.).

Submit the completed application form, plans and payment to Council by:

Email: council@ipswich.qld.gov.au
Post: PO Box 191, Ipswich Qld 4305
In Person: Ground Floor, 1 Nicholas Street, Ipswich.

Once lodged generally your application will be referred to the Environmental Health Team for assessment.

In some cases, additional information may be required to properly assess your application. If this occurs, Council will work with you to obtain the necessary information and assist in progressing your application toward approval.

Fit-out works may commence once design approval has been granted. All works must be carried out in accordance with the approved plans and any conditions of approval.

Step 2 –Food Business Licence

At least 30 days before your fit out is complete you will need to apply for a food business licence.

Complete the Application for a Fixed or Mobile Food Business Licence ^{(PDF, 234.5KB)}

NOTE: If a food safety program is required this will also need to be submitted

Nominate a Food Safety Supervisor and attach a copy of the certificate of attainment
Submit the completed application form, plans and payment to Council by:
- Email: council@ipswich.qld.gov.au
- Post: PO Box 191, Ipswich Qld 4305
- In Person: Ground Floor, 1 Nicholas Street, Ipswich.

What Happens Next

Once the licence application has been processed, it will generally be assessed by the Environmental Health Team.

Final Inspection

A final inspection will be conducted to confirm the premises has been built in accordance with the approved plans and is complying with conditions.

The premises must be in a “ready to trade” condition before a food business licence can be issued. This includes ensuring:

All fit-out works are complete
Fixtures, fittings and equipment are fully installed
Cleaning has been completed
All required utilities and services are operational

The premises must successfully pass this inspection before a food business licence will be issued.

Other licences

Your food business may also require other licences depending upon your activities. For example if you wish to have outdoor dining activities a licence may be required.