Food / Cosmetology / Poultry License

New Business Information

How do I open a new business in Ridgewood?

 1. First you must check with the Village zoning officer to see if the location that you have selected for your business is properly zoned for the type of activity business that you want to locate there. The zoning officer can be reached at the Ridgewood Building and Zoning Department at 201-670-5500 Ext. 5506.

2. If your proposed business requires construction or renovation activities, you must submit plans and apply to the Ridgewood Building and Zoning Department for construction permits.

3. If your business is or contains any of the following: barber shop, beauty parlor, child care facility, food establishment (retail, wholesale, and pharmacy), hospital, kennel, nail salon, nursing home, pet shop, school, and or a spa or swimming pool that is open to the public or serves a multiple family dwelling, detailed plans and specifications, must be submitted to the Health Department for review and approval before construction can begin. The Health Department inspector can be reached at 201-670-5500 x2241.  

Health Department Guidance 

All Food establishments: 

1. Submit plans to the building department and health (along with the completed Retail Food Application form)
2. Get approval to begin construction after getting all departments to sign off on plans
3. Receive and pass fire, electrical, building, and plumbing inspections then have your Pre-Operational Health Inspection.
4. After the Pre-Operational Health Inspection is passed, the food license fee is due. A food license is processed when the fee amount is received and a satisfactory placard is given to the building department where it can be picked up along with the certificate of occupancy that grants you approval to open up your establishment.

Cosmetology (Barbershop, Nail Salon, Hair Salon, and Spa) 

1. Submit plans to the Ridgewood Building and Zoning Department and Ridgewood Health Department (along with the completed Cosmetology Application Blank form)
2. Receive approval to begin construction after getting all departments to sign off on plans
3. Receive and pass the fire, electrical, building, and plumbing inspections then receive the certificate of occupancy from the Ridgewood Building and Zoning Department. Use the certificate of occupancy for your state Cosmetology Shop license application, and submit the application to the Cosmetology State Board when complete.   
4. Contact Ridgewood Health Department after the state Cosmetology Shop inspection is scheduled. The local Health Department will then conduct the Opening inspection and issue a Satisfactory placard and Cosmetology license (When the fee is received) then you have the approval to open up your establishment.