Licensing & Regulation

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.

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Retail Food Establishment Licensing Process

Retail Food establishments include restaurants and retail stores, mobile food establishments, and temporary food stands. Any facility that holds a “Class B” intoxicating liquor license or Class “B” fermented malt beverage license must also obtain a Tavern license.

All food and tavern licensing fees and application processing are handled by De Pere Health Department. To obtain a license, follow these steps:

  1. Complete the Facility Checklist (PDF)
  2. Complete the Establishment License Application (PDF)
  3. Submit the completed Facility Checklist, License Application, and fees* to the De Pere Health Department address listed on the application.
  4. For new or remodeled facilities, send a copy of the kitchen plans and menu to De Pere Health Department deperehealth@deperewi.gov
  5. Get your license after your application and fee are processed and we do a pre-Inspection.

For questions or to schedule a pre-inspection, call us at 920-339-4054 or email deperehealth@deperewi.gov

*A Pre-Inspection (and associated fee) is required with all license applications.

Temporary food stands run within an event, such as a farmer’s market, festival, fair, or concert, are required to hold or obtain a temporary retail food license. (See below.)


Temporary Food Stands and Special Events Licensing

De Pere Health Department issues temporary retail food licenses to businesses or organizations that prepare, serve, or sell food to the public during events, celebrations, or sales promotions. These can include:

  • youth groups
  • churches
  • service clubs (non-profit)

Those who serve or sell food to the public 4 days or more during a 12 month period in the City of De Pere need to obtain a Temporary Retail Food license. We also accept current, valid licenses from other Health agencies in Wisconsin. 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.

Temporary Retail Food License Application (PDF)


Lodging, Public Swimming Pools, Tattoo & Body Piercing Establishment Licensing Process

Lodging establishments include hotels, motels, and tourist rooming houses (TRHs).  For licensing of a TRH, please see the information below for Short-Term Rentals.  Public swimming pools include pools, whirlpools (hot tub), aquatic venues, waterslides, and splash pads. Tattoo & body piercing includes tattooing, permanent makeup, microblading (eyebrows), and other forms of body art.

All licensing fees and application processing are handled by De Pere Health Department. To obtain a license, follow these steps:

  1. Complete the Establishment License Application (PDF)
  2. Submit License Application and fees* to the De Pere Health Department address, listed on the application.
  3. For new or remodeled establishments, send a copy of the building plans to De Pere Health Department deperehealth@deperewi.gov
  4. Get your license after your application and fee are processed and we do a pre-Inspection.

For questions or to schedule a pre-inspection, call us at 920-339-4054 or email deperehealth@deperewi.gov

*A Pre-Inspection (and associated fee) is required with all license applications.

Short-Term Rental (Tourist Rooming House - TRH) Licensing Process

Properties rented to travelers or others on a short-term basis is becoming more and more popular. If you rent your house/apartment to others via Airbnb or VRBO, your property needs to be licensed. To obtain a TRH license from the Health Department, please follow the steps below:

  1. First apply with the City Development Services Department to obtain approval to rent your property. The application and other information can be found below. The application fee is $100.  Short Term Rental Information / Application
  2. Once your application is approved, the Environmental Health Sanitarian will contact you to complete the Health Department Establishment License Application. License information and associated fees will be communicated to you at that time.
  3. Get your license after your application and fees are processed and we do a pre-Inspection.