Health-department requirements

Opening a Kitchen in North Dakota? Equipment You’re Required to Install

The equipment a North Dakota health department expects — from the FDA Food Code — plus who licenses you here and how plan review works.

Regime detail pending verification — confirm with your local authority. Educational, not legal advice — always confirm with your local health department.

What every commercial kitchen must have

These come from the FDA Food Code, which nearly every state adopts. A health inspector checks for them on plan review and at inspection — regardless of your state:

3-compartment sink

Manual warewashing (wash/rinse/sanitize); bowls sized to your largest pot; two drainboards; indirect waste. Often required even with a dish machine.

Hand sink(s)

Dedicated, near prep + warewashing + restrooms; warm water ≥100°F, soap, towels, signage.

NSF refrigeration

Holds cold TCS food ≤41°F; NSF/ANSI 7; residential units fail inspection.

NSF work surfaces

Smooth, corrosion-resistant, cleanable — NSF/ANSI 2 stainless, not home furniture.

Also required in most kitchens: a mop/service sink (cleaning-water disposal), 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.

How North Dakota licenses & reviews you

Licensing authority: your local health department.

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.