Any given restaurant may be operating with a number of equipment or construction deficiencies that the management has elected to "live with" by simply taking the point deductions on each sanitation inspection.  If you purchase an existing foodservice facility that has such deficiencies, you may be able to obtain a "transitional permit" allowing you to continue to operate the facility, but all deficiencies listed in the permit must be corrected within 180 days, even those the current owner has "lived with."  Some changes may require the submission of plans for review.

If a transitional permit is issued, it will expire at the end of 180 days.  You must have made all repairs listed on the transitional permit prior to its expiration and obtained a full operating permit or the operation must close.  A transitional permit cannot be transferred, extended, or renewed.  

Please note that only minor construction and equipment violations can be addressed on a transitional permit.  If violations exist that would constitute an imminent hazard to public health, a transitional permit will not be issued and the facility must cease operation immediately.  Likewise, cleanliness of the facility cannot be addressed on the transitional permit; appropriate sanitary conditions must be maintained at all times of operations.