Each row is the verification state of one aspect for Alabama, taken from the data we hold. A check does not mean every local amendment or county fee was individually reviewed.
These come from the FDA Food Code — a model code that nearly every state adopts and amends, with enforcement that varies by jurisdiction. Treat them as commonly required, not universal: your menu, your state’s adopted edition, and your local authority (AHJ) may impose different or additional requirements.
Labels flag how firm each item is — Common baseline core Food-Code expectation · Frequently required usual on plan review · Varies locally set by local/plumbing code · Verify with AHJ confirm the specifics locally. The finer details (drainboard count, which sanitation listings are accepted, interceptor sizing) are plan-review and plumbing-code matters that vary by jurisdiction; the notes below are FoodServiceNerd planning guidance, not a code citation.
Varies locally Also required in most kitchens: a mop/service sink, mechanical exhaust hood (Type I over grease/smoke), adequate hot water, indirect waste/air gaps on food & warewashing equipment, and a grease interceptor where local plumbing code requires it — which apply, and their sizing, are set locally.
Licensing authority: County health departments under ADPH; Food Establishment Sanitation Rules 420-3-22. Regime: Fully local under state rules.
ADPH is explicit: the Public Health Laws of Alabama require a valid permit issued by the Health Department, and PERMITS ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE. Applications come from your LOCAL COUNTY health department. Mobile Food Establishment is defined as a vehicle-mounted food service establishment designed to be readily movable; the mobile food section sits in Sanitation Rules 420-3-22. Priority Category 3 and 4 permit holders (or a designee) must hold accredited certification issued within the previous five years, or have completed an accredited programme without certification within the previous 12 months. Permit cost varies by county and risk, cited from roughly $100 to over $1,000. Business licences are controlled city-by-city and county-by-county. LOCAL LAYERS BITE: Birmingham consolidated to a single permit type but requires its own fire inspection and bars operation within 150 ft of a restaurant; Mobile County requires a permit per EVENT even if you already hold a regular permit.
Mobile/food-truck reciprocity: NONE - ADPH states permits are not transferable
New builds and remodels almost always require a plan review and a pre-opening inspection. Submit your equipment layout early — the sink count, hood, and hot-water sizing are the usual sticking points.
Permit fees, plan review and local requirements are set by your county/city health department (the AHJ) — confirm the current specifics with them.
Food-permit basics, inspection grading and your local health-department contact, county by county. Fees and plan review are set locally — find yours below.