Each row is the verification state of one aspect for Georgia, 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 boards of health, delegated by GA Dept. of Public Health. Regime: Local licensing + statewide recognition.
CORRECTION to first pass, which recorded no reciprocity. GA DPH's own FAQ states that from 2023-01-01 a permit issued by the county of origin is recognised in outside counties; operators previously holding multiple county permits were notified those would be closed. You must still apply for AUTHORISATION TO OPERATE from each outside county before vending there - recognition is not a free pass. Permits required for BOTH the Base of Operation and the unit, applied for in the county of origin, with menu, to-scale layout diagrams of base and unit, and interior/exterior photos. Base of Operation must be close enough for daily trips to dump wastewater, refill tanks and restock. Unusually, GA may allow a home property as Base of Operation subject to septic/sewer modification and well water testing. Savannah caps pushcarts at 5x10 ft; third violation in a rolling 12 months is $1,000 plus six-month permit revocation.
Mobile/food-truck reciprocity: YES since 2023-01-01 - county-of-origin permit recognised statewide, but authorisation step required per outside county
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.