Each row is the verification state of one aspect for Maryland, 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; MD Dept. of Health. Regime: County licensing + separate statewide reciprocity licence.
TWO-TIER STRUCTURE, easy to get wrong. The ordinary county mobile food service licence is good ONLY in the issuing county - Queen Anne's County states plainly that its licence covers operation within that county and that you must check the health department in each county of operation. Separately, Maryland created a Mobile Reciprocity Licence under Senate Bill 262, referenced by county health departments alongside the Transient Vendors Licence. Operators travelling between counties need the reciprocity licence, not just the local one. Practical details from Queen Anne's: display the current licence inside the unit AND post the licence number on the exterior; submit VIN and tag number for MVA registration; interior lighting minimum 50 foot-candles and shielded. ACTION: confirm SB 262's current scope and fee before publishing.
Mobile/food-truck reciprocity: YES - a distinct Mobile Reciprocity Licence exists, created by Maryland Senate Bill 262
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.