§ 21-321. Construction, remodeling, or alterations

   (a) Plans and specifications -- Submission. -- Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, before a food establishment is constructed, remodeled, or materially altered, or before an existing building or structure is converted or remodeled for use as a food establishment, properly prepared plans and specifications for the construction, remodeling, or alteration of a food establishment shall be submitted to:

   (1) The Department, if the food establishment is:

      (i) A food processing plant; or

      (ii) A chain or franchise food service facility planning to construct 2 or more facilities in the State from a single uniform set of plans; or

   (2) Except as provided in item (1)(ii) of this subsection, for food service facilities, to the appropriate county health department.

(b) Plans and specifications -- Information to be included. -- The plans or specifications required under subsection (a) of this section shall include:

   (1) Layout and arrangement of work areas;

   (2) Construction materials;

   (3) The location, size, manufacturer, and model number of equipment and facilities; and

   (4) Any other information that may be required for the proper review of the plans and specifications.

(c) Plans and specifications -- Actions prohibited without Department approval. -- Unless the required plans and specifications are approved by the Department, a person may not:

   (1) Construct, remodel, or alter a food establishment; or

   (2) Convert or remodel an existing building or structure for use as a food establishment.

(d) Applicability of section. -- The provisions of this section do not apply to the construction, remodeling, or alteration of any areas in a food establishment used solely for office space, or recreational areas.

HISTORY: 1987, ch. 297; 1988, ch. 6, § 1; 2013, ch. 84.