Health-department requirements

Opening a Kitchen in New York (excl. NYC)? Equipment You’re Required to Install

The equipment a New York (excl. NYC) health department expects — from the FDA Food Code — plus who licenses you here and how plan review works.
Verified from primary sources. 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:

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 New York (excl. NYC) licenses & reviews you

Licensing authority: County health departments under NYS Sanitary Code Subpart 14-4. Regime: County-level.

Nassau County: 3-comp sink 12x12x8 min each, separate hand sink, 140F hot water, 50 gal fresh min for grill operation / 40 gal steam table, $435/yr permit, plan review before application, county does not assign vending locations.

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.

Local dealers who can spec a compliant kitchen

See restaurant-equipment dealers in New York (excl. NYC) → — many do design + fabrication and know local plan-review requirements.