2013 Maryland Code
HEALTH - GENERAL
§ 21-321 - Construction, remodeling, or alterations [Effective until October 1,2013]

§21-321.

(a) 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) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a food processing plant; or

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

(2) For all other food establishments, including a soft drink manufacturing plant, to the appropriate county health department.

(b) 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) 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) 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.

§ 21-321 - Construction, remodeling, or alterations [Effective October 1, 2013].

(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.