Structural Plan Review Requirements for Food Service Facilities

These are general guidelines on the plan review procedures required to construct a new food service facility or to remodel an existing food service facility. See the Food Service Facility Structural Plan Review Checklist.

What is a food service facility?

A food service facility is defined as a place where food or drink is prepared for sale or service on the premises or elsewhere or an operation where food is served to or provided for the public with or without charge. This includes and is not limited to mobile food service facilities and catering food service facilities.

When is a structural plan review required?

Before a food establishment is constructed, remodeled or materially altered, including adding or changing equipment, the person-in-charge shall ensure that plans, equipment specifications and finish schedules are submitted for food service facility plan review.

What items are needed for a structural plan review?

A completed building permit application and appropriate fee(s) submitted to:

Anne Arundel County: 
Permit Center 
2664 Riva Road 
Annapolis, Maryland 21401 
410-222-7700

City of Annapolis: 
Inspections and Permits 
145 Gorman Street, 3rd Floor 
Annapolis, MD 21401 
410-263-7946

Equipment Reviews Only With No Change of Tenant*: 
Anne Arundel County Department of Health 
3 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Use Front Entrance 
Annapolis, MD 21401 
410-222-7192 
*Alterations and changes that do not require a building permit from any other agency.

What are the fees for structural plan review?

Structural plan review fees are determined based on the risk category of the food service facility or the HACCP plan. The structural plan review fee for high- and moderate-risk food service facilities is $750 and is $500 for low-risk.

1. Food Service Facility application

  • High Priority
$590
  • High Priority (partial year, operating less than 4 months)
$395
  • Moderate Priority
$395
  • Moderate Priority (partial year, operating less than 6 months)
$195
  • Low Priority
$195
 

2. Workman’s Compensation forms

3. Structural Plan Review fee

  • Low Priority
$500
  • High/Moderate Priority
$750

4. HACCP Plan Review fee

  • High/Moderate Priority Only
$750

Food service facility plans must show:

Layout. A scaled drawing of the layout of the facility, arrangement of work areas, and location of all food service equipment, restrooms, and outdoor trash storage and disposal areas.

Equipment. Provide a list of food service equipment, including the manufacturer name and model number. All food service equipment must meet one or more of the following design standards: National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) or an NSF-equivalent certification from: The Etlsemko division of Intertek Group PLC (Intertek ETL SEMKO); Canadian Standards Association (CSA); Underwriters Laboratories (UL); Baking Industry Sanitation Standards Committee; National Automation Merchandizing Association; or International Association of Milk and Food Sanitarian’s “3-A Sanitary Standards.”

Interior Finishes. A description of the materials to be used for interior finishes including floors, walls and ceilings.

Electrical. An electrical diagram showing the type of lighting that will be used.

HVAC. The mechanical or HVAC plan, including hoods over cooking equipment.

Plumbing. A plumbing plan and riser diagram that includes all related plumbing fixtures and equipment, including the source of water (public or private well) and whether sewerage service is public or an onsite sewage disposal system. The plumbing diagram plan must include details for a grease interceptor.

Menu. A menu or description of the food to be prepared or served.

State plan reviews. Food processing plants, food warehouses and prototypical chain food service facilities must obtain approval from the Office of Food Control, Maryland Department of Health. The contact information is listed below.

Other. Other information may be required to determine compliance with applicable State and local laws, regulations and ordinances.

See the Structural Plan Review Requirements – Step-by-Step Instructions

For more information, contact:

Food Protection Services 
Anne Arundel County 
Department of Health 
3 Harry S. Truman Parkway 
Annapolis, Maryland 21401 
410-222-7192

Office of Food Protection 
Maryland Department of Health 
6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1301 
Baltimore, MD 21201 
410-767-8400