Fixed Food Facilities Guidelines:
- Food Facility Plan Requirements
- Food Plan Check Guide
- Finish Schedule ( Floors , Walls , Ceiling)
- Guideline for Sizing Hot Water Heater
- Hot Water Heater Worksheet - Fillable Excel File
- Hot Water Heater Worksheet (PDF)
- Exhaust Ventilation Systems
- Hood Calculation Worksheet
- Hood Exemption Application
- Cooking Equipment Exhaust Ventilation Exemption Guide
- Plan Check Questionnaire
- Plan Check Worksheet
The initial submittal must include at least one (1) set of plans and one (1) set of the equipment specifications sheets. Upon approval of plans, additional sets will be requested for stamping and submittal to the local building department.
Currently the department is not accepting electronic submittals. The plans can be dropped off at the front counter with a completed Plan Check Worksheet, Plan Check Questionnaire and fee or mailed to ACDEH, Division of Environmental Protection, Attention: Plan Check Unit – 1131 Harbor Bay Parkway, 2nd Floor, Alameda, CA 94502. Please include a check payable to ACDEH.
Check with the local building department. Typically, a Building Permit will not be issued without ACDEH approved plans.
No, however it may be required by the local building department.
No, however ACDEH strongly recommend obtaining an architect experienced in designing food facilities. Plan approval may be dependent on the completeness and quality of the submittal.
A full sample board of the finishes at the food facility, except for the dining area, is recommended. Samples of finishes that are known to vary in thickness and texture may be required.
If the plans are not expedited it may take up to 20 business days, excluding holidays, before an initial response is given. The plans are reviewed in the order they are received.
Yes. An additional expedited fee will be added to the plan check fee for expedited service. An initial response may take up to seven (7) business days, excluding holidays. Currently only excepting expedited plans from the 1st through the 15th of each month.
No, the department does not approve plans over the counter. However, the department is willing to meet briefly prior to the submittal to ensure your submittal package is complete. Any consultation beyond this will be chargeable at the department’s hourly rate.
No, a building permit is required prior to beginning the construction. All required inspections must be completed and signed-off by all agencies. The final sign-off is required by ACDEH and the local building department.
Depending on the scope of work, plan submittal may be required.
You may call the ACDEH main line (510) 561-6700 and reference your project number (SR#__), facility name or facility address. Please note the lead time for scheduling construction inspections may be up to 2-4 weeks, depending on the number of scheduled inspections at that time.
The number of inspections will be noted on the approval letter and is determined by the scope of work. In general, new construction and major remodels are allotted three (3) inspections; minor remodels are allotted two (2) inspections. Once the inspections exceed the allotted amount, each additional inspection is chargeable at the department’s hourly rate.
A preliminary construction inspection should begin within 180 days from the date the plans were approved. If an inspection has not been conducted within six months, an expired plan review fee at the department hourly rate may be required.
No, all new and replacement food-related and utensil-related equipment shall be certified or classified for sanitation by an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited certification program. In the absence of an applicable ANSI certified sanitation standard all equipment shall be evaluated for approval by the department.
Yes, however you must apply for an exemption from mechanical ventilation and the department will take in consideration the following:
- Installation of other unventilated heat generating equipment in the same area
- Presence of a heating / cooling (HVAC) system
- Size of the room and ceiling height
- How the equipment will be operated and the nature of the emissions
The facility will be limited to one integral recirculating system unit with an electric appliance or non-integral recirculating system with electrical appliance(s).
ACDEH is not the regulatory agency for sizing grease recovery devices. Contact the Local Sanitary District or Building Department where the retail establishment will be located for information regarding sizing and installation.
