New Food Service Facilities

Permanent food service facilities are given a high, moderate or low priority rating. Ratings are based on the type of food served and how the food is prepared.

A high priority facility serves potentially hazardous foods prepared a day or more before being served. These facilities may also use food preparation methods that require the food to pass through the temperature range of 41°F to 135°F two or more times before service, such as cooking, cooling, and reheating. The high priority category includes health care facilities.

A moderate priority facility serves potentially hazardous foods prepared using methods that require the food to pass through the temperature range of 41°F to 135°F only once before service, such as cooking, hot holding, and serving. A moderate priority facility may also cut, assemble, or package potentially hazardous foods on the premise.

A low priority facility serves commercially packaged, potentially hazardous foods directly to the consumer. A low priority facility also serves non-potentially hazardous foods that are cut, assembled, or packaged on the premises, such as candy, popcorn, or baked goods. Hand-dipped ice cream is included in the low priority category.

A bed and breakfast, defined as a lodging or rooming house that has eight rooms or fewer for rent, can be a high or moderate priority facility. See Bed and Breakfasts.

In order to open a new food service facility, complete plans for the building, including all food preparation equipment, menu and food preparation processes, must be submitted to the County Permit Center. Department of Health fees for licensing will be assessed upon receipt of plans.

1. License Application fee

2. Workers’ Compensation forms

3. Structural Plan Review fee

4. HACCP Plan Review fee

The Permit Center location:

• The Heritage Center, 2664 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401, 410-222-7700

For food service facilities located in the City of Annapolis, follow the same procedure at the City of Annapolis Department of Inspections and Permits, 145 Gorman Street, Third Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401, 410-263-7946

For food service facilities located in Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) Airport, follow the procedures outlined by BWI Airport for plan submissions for food service facilities.

The Permit Center, BWI Airport or the City of Annapolis will process your application and forward it to the Anne Arundel County Department of Health.

For detailed information on applying for a Building Permit and Food Service Facility License, contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Health at 410-222-7192 and request a Plan Review Packet.