De Pere Health Department serves as an agent for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the Department of Safety and Professional Services. Environmental Health Sanitarians are responsible for the licensing and regulation of retail food and restaurant establishments, lodging establishments (hotel, motel, tourist rooming houses or short-term rentals, bed and breakfasts), campgrounds, recreational education camps, swimming pools, and tattooing and body art facilities. Our goal is to prevent illness and ensure safety.

*The De Pere Health Department licenses and regulates establishments within the borders of the City of De Pere and does NOT include the Town of Lawrence or the Town of Ledgeview.

Inspection Reports

Codes and Regulations for Licensed Businesses

Applications

 *The License years run from July 1st to June 30th

De Pere Health Department licenses and inspects retail food establishments, lodging facilities, public swimming pools, and tattoo & body piercing facilities. Our goal is to prevent illness and ensure safety.

Opening a New Establishment (excluding Tourist Rooming House or Short -Term Rental)

All new owners of existing businesses and owners of newly constructed establishments must obtain a license from De Pere Health Department. Follow the steps below to ensure everything is completed on time.

1. Plan Review

Before construction begins, De Pere Health Department must review the building plans to ensure compliance regarding the building structure, equipment, and plumbing. For food establishments, the Plan Review Checklist was developed as a tool to ensure necessary items are covered. Use this checklist to verify the code requirements are being met before construction begins.

2. Submit the following information:

  • One copy of blueprints or copy of floor plan
  • List of equipment
  • Contact name and phone number

**Additional information needed for Food Establishments**

  • Completed Food Establishment Plan Review checklist
  • Proposed menu
  • Name, certificate number, and expiration date of Certified Food Protection Manager

Submit to:
De Pere Health Department
Attention: Environmental Health
335 S. Broadway
De Pere, WI 54115

Or email:
deperehealth@deperewi.gov 

3. Submit Fees and License Application

After review of your submitted documents/materials, an Environmental Health Sanitarian will contact you with the appropriate license category and associated fees. Complete and submit the required application and fees. Please note that any facility that holds a “Class B” intoxicating liquor license or a “Class B” fermented malt beverage license must also obtain a Tavern License through De Pere Health Department. All fees are listed on Page 2 of the Establishment License application. 

4. Contact Other Departments

It is suggested to contact other City departments to determine additional requirements or permits that may be needed before construction or opening. 

5. Schedule a Pre-inspection

Contact De Pere Health Department at least two weeks before opening day to schedule a pre-inspection.

Opening a New Tourist Rooming House (TRH)/Short-term Rental

Properties rented to transients, travelers, or others on a short-term basis are becoming more and more popular. If you rent your house/apartment to others via platforms like Airbnb or VRBO, your property needs to be licensed. Obtaining a Tourist Rooming House (TRH) license within the City of De Pere is a two-step process. Please follow the steps below:

  1. Submit an application ($100 fee) to the Development Services Department. The application and other information can be found here:  Short Term Rental Information / Application 
  2. Once the Development Services application is approved, the Environmental Health Sanitarian will contact you with instructions to obtain a TRH license.

Note: You may not rent your property until a Pre-Inspection is conducted by the Environmental Health Sanitarian.

Temporary Food Stands/Transient Events

We issue annual transient food and drink licenses to food vendors for special events. Events include:

  • Fairs
  • Festivals
  • Sporting event
  • Farmers’ markets

Who needs a Transient Retail Food License?

Any person, group, or business serving or selling food to the public is required to obtain Transient Retail Food License when operating at a temporary event, with certain exemptions.

Licensing Exemptions

  • A non-profit organization serving meals may operate up to three days within a calendar year. After three days, a license is required.
  • A non-profit organization serving non-meals (such as popcorn, snow cones, ice cream) is allowed to operate up to twelve days per calendar year. After twelve days, a license is required.
  • Food stands operated at youth sporting events, such as a little league game, that operate for the benefit of the youth sports team or program.
  • Home bakers selling baked goods following DATCP guidelines.

Food Safety Requirements for Temporary Events

Transient Food Stand Key Points 

Application

Transient (Temporary) Food Application

  •  Licenses are valid each year from July 1 to June 30. Each license we issue expires on June 30. Licenses issued after April 1 will be valid until June 30 of the following year. For example: A license issued on April 1, 2025 will expire on June 30, 2026.
  • This license is non-renewable. You must apply for a new application annually.
  • Transient Retail Food licenses from any Wisconsin health agency are accepted in the City of De Pere. You must provide proof of current licensure prior to operating at a De Pere event.

Contact us to provide documentation of a current, valid license from another agency or submit an application for a Temporary Retail Food License deperehealth@deperewi.gov. 

Resources for Operators

  1.  Food Code Fact Sheets
  2. Certified Food Protection Manager Information
  3. Food Truck Safety (NFPA website)
  4. TRH/Short-term Rental Guidelines