Obtaining an Annual Food or Pool Permit

Required Documentation

• A commissary is required for all mobile food units, the commissary address will be used as the business location.
  • A commissary agreement will be required upon permitting. Visit Information for New Food Business Owners to see an example.
• Current NM State Tax and Rev CRS form: Visit NM Tax and Revenue for more information.
• Current City of Albuquerque Business Registration: Visit the Planning Department (Not-for-profit organizations are exempt from this requirement).
• Food Manager Certification for supervisor and Food Handler Card(s) for employee(s).
• Copy of the menu.
• For all pool permits: CPO Certificate and CPO Form completed.
• Permits for facilities serving food with cannabis must also provide their NM RLD permits. Please review the FAQ page for Cannabis Establishments.
• If you plan to self-certify as a microbusiness, you must obtain a notarized letter of intent stating that you will not employ more than 7 persons in the coming.
  • Upon renewal the following year, you will be required to submit one of the following:
    • ES-903A, Quarterly Wage and Contribution Report, NM Dept of Workforce Solutions
    • TRD-31109, Quarterly Wage, Income Withholding and Workers’ Compensation Fee Report, NM Taxation and Revenue Dept

Completing the Application

• You must submit a complete application at least 5 business days prior to the start of planned operations. EHD recommends submittal of at least 2 weeks prior to prevent any delays.
• If you do not know what type of permit(s) to apply for take the survey on our website, or contact the department for guidance.
  • NOTE that while this survey can provide guidance, it is based on your answers, the Department will make a final determination on the appropriate permit type.
• Applications must be completed and submitted through the City’s online permitting system, ABQ-PLAN.
  • Required documents must be submitted online along with application. Failure to upload the required documents will delay the processing of your application.
  • Each user needs to register using a unique email address. To access existing permits, you must register using the email address you have on file with our department.
  • Each individual or business should create an account in ABQ-PLAN. Use the ABQ-PLAN User Guide to help you through the registration process and to submit a permit.
  • Always say YES when prompted for help! OR select “Need Help” on the menu.
  • You will be able to start an application and save it for completion at a later.
• An email is required for all contacts during the application process.
• Incomplete applications may be voided in ABQ-PLAN after 30 days of submission and you will need to reapply.

Scheduling and Passing an Inspection

• Pre-opening inspections are scheduled by our inspection staff with the business at least 5 days prior to operating the food service.
• After receiving an approved or conditional approved grade on your pre-opening inspection, your inspector will issue you a provisional permit for you to operate the food establishment This provisional permit is valid for thirty (30) days.
• The grade sticker will be placed on your food establishment at this time.

Payment of Fees and Issuing Permit

• You will receive an invoice via ABQ-PLAN.
  • This will come from an automated email (check your junk folder) and will be sent to the contact you list as a billing contact on your application.
• This may be paid online at ABQ-PLAN, log into your account and selecting Pay Invoices. Enter invoice number; IN0000000.
• Payments made by mail or in person: Make checks payable to: City of Albuquerque and include a copy of your invoice.
  • City of Albuquerque
    P.O. Box 1293
    Albuquerque, NM 87103
  • Your Official Permit will be provided via email after payment confirmation.
• In person payments: Bring a copy of your invoice to:
  • 1 Civic Plaza NW
    Third Floor, Room 3023 Albuquerque, NM 87102
  • Your Official Permit will be provided on site.
• NOTE that you must receive an invoice prior to making payment and payment must be received within 30 days of your provisional permit being issued.
• Failure to pay your invoice will result in your permit being VOID, you will be required to cease operations and reapply for a permit.

Ongoing Operations

Please use your inspector as a resource for any food safety concerns and questions.

For more information on the permitting process, please visit the Environmental Health Department website or contact us at 505-768-2738.

The Environmental Health Department wishes you all the best with your new business.

Summary of Steps

1. Obtain the required documentation
2. Complete an online Application
3. EHD inspection staff will contact business to schedule a pre-opening inspection
4. Pass an inspection
5. Provisional Permit Issued
6. Payment of fees within 30 days
7. Official Permit provided

Special Circumstances

Contact EHD and let us know which special circumstances apply to you:

• Obtaining a permit for liquor/beer and wine license or an NMRLD Cannabis Manufacturing License.
• A new build requiring approval of plans. Please also visit EHD’s website for more information.
• Business name change.
• Commissary change.

Note that a change in ownership or business location are not special circumstances and must follow the permitting guidelines.

Any food service establishment that wishes to permanently cease operations must notify the Environmental Health Department in writing within thirty (30) days of closure.