Restaurant Interior Alteration Permit & Inspection Process
Montgomery County is open for business and welcomes your new restaurant. This process page is tailored toward those who want to open a restaurant (or food establishment) in an existing space and may need interior alterations or a change of use. It is important that you contact the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) before signing a contract to determine a restaurant use is allowed at the desired location.
A commercial building permit is required for all work occurring inside an existing building, including those intended for restaurant use. Often these are known as tenant fit-outs or interior renovations.
For additional permitting information, reference the "Recipe for Success" guide (en Espanol) and listen to the podcast episode. You also may contact DPS manager Chris Allen at 240-447-0488 or email chris.allen@montgomerycountymd.gov. For information about opening a business in Montgomery County, visit the Montgomery County Business Center website.
Interior alteration permits commonly require associated electrical, mechanical, fire alarm, and/or fire protection permits, depending on the scope of work and the systems present. If a change in use or if there is no existing Use and Occupancy for the space, a use and occupancy permit is required. A permit would also be needed to install a new exterior sign or canopy. Plumbing and gas permits are handled by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC).
A food service facility means restaurants, coffee shops, cafeterias, luncheonettes, taverns, sandwich stands or similar places in which food or drink is prepared, served or provided for the public, with or without charge. Restaurants are required to obtain a Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Food Service Facility license. The plan required for the DHHS license must be submitted with the Commercial Building permit plan set. Both the plan and paid fee must be submitted to DPS electronically via eServices.
A food service license must be obtained prior to opening any food establishment. This license is issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and must be renewed annually. Prior to issuance of the license, a plan showing layout of the facility, equipment, and other important features of the space, will be reviewed by DHHS. Applications, plans and fees for the food service license must be submitted to DPS via eServices as part of the commercial building plan package. The food establishment must be under the immediate control of a Certified Food Service Manager. Visit the DHHS website or email email HHS for more information. Depending on the scope and type of the project other approvals may be needed from:
- WSSC ePermitting
- WSSC Plan Review
- WSSC Fats, Oils and Grease Guidance
- montgomerycountymd.gov/abs
- montgomerycountymd.gov/dps/municipalities (Chevy Chase, Takoma Park, etc.) or other regulatory agencies which may have jurisdiction over the business operation or process.
- Note: DPS does not issue building permits for the cities of Rockville or Gaithersburg.
Required documents for the DPS and DHHS plan review include:
- Commercial Building Permit Submittal Requirements Form
- ADA Accessibility Compliance Form
- Manufacturer’s Catalog Product Listings (cut sheets)
- Cost of Construction - Bid Documents
- Plans prepared, signed and sealed by a Maryland licensed design professional (on all sheets)
- Full List of DHHS Plan Requirements
- Menu – listing all foods and beverages you plan to offer
- Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan (not required for low priority facilities)
- Facility Layout that includes location of all equipment, fixtures, walls, doors, lights, drains, counters, restrooms (public or employee), storage rooms, offices, refuse storage, wait staff areas, dining rooms, etc. Identify locations of any detached units in relation to the main facility – external storage rooms, garbage areas.
- Manufacturer Specification Sheets for all food service equipment included on the Facility Layout
Depending on the scope of work, you may need one, two or multiple permits. Typically, interior alterations require trade permits such as electrical, mechanical, fire, etc. Use the DPS Fee Calculator to estimate approximate costs. To determine timeframes, the DPS Dashboard provides average plan review and permit issuance turnaround times for the last 30 days and last year. You may also refer to the "Recipe for Success" brochure for a snapshot of approximate fees and review timeframes for DPS, DHHS and Alcohol and Beverage Services (ABS).