Each row is the verification state of one aspect for District of Columbia, 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: DC Health (DOH) under Title 25-A, DC Municipal Regulations. Regime: Single-jurisdiction licensing.
CONCRETE BUILD SPECS, unusually precise. Clean water tank: CARTS 5 gallons, VEHICLES/TRAILERS 38 gallons. Unit height must not exceed 10 ft 6 in measured from bottom of tire to top of unit. Equipment must be ANSI/NSF or equivalent. Fees: $100 per Health Certificate application, plus $75 for HACCP review where required - a Mobile Vending HACCP plan (Form C) is required for operations preparing or serving food needing further processing. Applicant must hold a DC-issued Certified Food Protection Manager certificate. SERVICE SUPPORT (DEPOT) IS MANDATORY: food preparation only at a licensed food establishment, evidenced by a signed Depot Letter (Form B), with ADDITIONAL depot letters where other support services happen elsewhere. PARKING RULE THAT CATCHES PEOPLE: units must be parked at the depot or a secured location outside operating hours - RESIDENTIAL PARKING IS NOT PERMITTED, and street parking is not permitted. Application is published in seven languages.
Mobile/food-truck reciprocity: N/A - single jurisdiction
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.
Confirm the current mobile/retail food licence class, fees, forms and inspection scheduling with the state agency before applying.
Food-permit basics, inspection grading and your local health-department contact, county by county. Fees and plan review are set locally — find yours below.