Plans are required before constructing, remodeling, or making major equipment, menu, layout, plumbing, ventilation, or operational changes to a food facility, mobile food facility, compact mobile food operation, or public pool/spa. Plans must be submitted and approved before construction, remodeling, or operation begins.

Can I submit a plan check application online?

A. Yes. Plan check applications may be submitted electronically by email to EHPlanCheck@countyofmonterey.gov.

Supporting documents should be submitted as separate PDF files, when applicable. Depending on the type of project, documents may include:

• Completed plan check application
• Proposed menu
• Floor plan or equipment layout
• Equipment specification sheets
• Finish schedule
• Plumbing details
• Mechanical ventilation/hood information
• Commissary information, if applicable
• Food Facility Permit Application, for new food facilities only
• Any other documents needed to evaluate the proposed operation

No. The plan check fee is separate from the annual health permit fee. The first annual health permit fee will be billed after the facility is approved for permitting.

Requirements vary depending on the scope of the remodel. A plan check may be required for changes to food preparation areas, equipment, plumbing, finishes, layout, menu, ventilation, warewashing, or operation. If you have an existing facility, contact your assigned inspector or Consumer Health Protection before beginning work.

Most food facility plan check submittals include a completed PC-1 application, proposed menu, floor plan, equipment specification sheets, finish schedules, plumbing details, mechanical ventilation information if cooking equipment is proposed, and any other documents needed to describe the proposed construction or operation.

Yes. Mobile food facilities may require plan review before operating, depending on the type of food preparation, equipment, plumbing, ventilation, and operation. Applicants should submit the correct application and supporting documents based on the proposed operation.

Supporting documents may include the application, proposed menu, equipment specification sheets, equipment layout, commissary agreement or commissary information, water and wastewater tank details, plumbing details, handwashing and warewashing information, equipment certification information, ventilation information, and any other documents needed to evaluate the proposed operation.

Plumbing and wastewater requirements vary depending on the operation. Plan check review may include potable water supply, wastewater tank capacity, indirect waste connections, floor sink installation, grease interceptor information, and approved wastewater disposal.

Mobile food facilities with onboard restrooms require additional review and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. At minimum, the restroom must have a separate clean water and wastewater tank system, the restroom must be accessible only from the exterior of the unit, and the operator must identify an approved location for proper sewage disposal. Contact Consumer Health Protection before submitting plans for a mobile food facility with an onboard restroom.

Contact your inspector at least five business days before you would like to schedule the final inspection. All construction must be complete, equipment must be installed and operating, hot water must be available, and the facility must be clean and ready for inspection.