Restaurant Permit Success Story | Unified Studio Architect

How Unified Studio Architect Mastered the Restaurant Permit Review Process in Maryland

commercial architect Maryland, restaurant permit drawings, health department plan review Maryland, ADA compliance drawings, Unified Studio Architect

Introduction

Navigating the permit process for restaurant construction in Maryland can be complex and time-consuming. With overlapping regulations across counties like Montgomery and Anne Arundel, compliance demands precision. At Unified Studio Architect, we deliver permit-ready architectural plans that align with health, mechanical, energy, and code requirements from day one.

This blog outlines how our team successfully tackled a real-world restaurant plan review, addressing multiple rounds of comments across different departments, all while maintaining fast turnaround and strict code compliance.

Project Overview

The subject of this case study was a commercial food facility in Maryland undergoing change of use and equipment upgrades. The project involved:

Change of occupancy type from salon to food service
Full interior layout redesign with plumbing and HVAC updates
Extensive coordination with Health and Human Services (HHS)
Compliance with ADA, COMAR 10.15.03, IECC, and IBC-2021

Unified Studio Architect managed the entire permit submittal and response process using ProjectDox and Accela Citizen Access portals.

Permit Tech Comments & Our Resolutions

      Comment: Use & Occupancy application missing. Drawings uploaded in a multi-page file. No professional certification stamp. Filename length exceeded.
      
Resolution: U&O certificate uploaded. Drawings split per sheet. Certification stamp and license info added. File names adjusted per 20-character limit.

      Comment: Project cost breakdown missing.
      
Resolution: Uploaded itemized project cost PDF per COMBUILD guidelines.

Mechanical Review Comments & Our Resolutions

      Comment: Missing HVAC ventilation schedule, HVAC unit outdoor air quantities, and exhaust fan specifications.
      
Resolution: Provided full HVAC ventilation schedules and labeled all units with CFM, outdoor air capacity, and usage type. Exhaust fan quantity and ratings listed.

      Comment: Change of use from salon to foodservice needs more HVAC context.
      
Resolution: Narrative added to HVAC plan summarizing ventilation strategy, new use details, and equipment changes.

Electrical and Energy Compliance

      Comment: Lighting control narrative and COMcheck improperly embedded.
      
Resolution: Added compliant lighting narrative per IECC C405.2 and C408.3. Removed COMcheck from drawing; uploaded it as standalone documentation.

      Comment: Lighting fixture schedule values didn’t match energy calculations.
      
Resolution: Coordinated schedule with COMcheck output and updated fixture list for accuracy.

Health Department (HHS) Comments & Our Resolutions

      Comment: Missing equipment cut sheets, HACCP Plan, and sanitation certifications (NSF/UL).
      
Resolution: Provided complete manufacturer cut sheets with NSF/ETL/UL credentials. Submitted HACCP Plan using county template, including menu, prep processes, and illness policies.

      Comment: IKEA counters not approved for food prep use.
      
Resolution: Verified and documented laminated worktop is sealed, non-absorbent, smooth, and food-safe per county guidelines.

      Comment: Indirect waste not shown for 3-compartment sink and handwashing units.
      
Resolution: Updated plumbing layout with indirect drainage via air gap to hub drain. Riser diagram and sink air gaps annotated.

      Comment: Future cart storage open to public path.
      
Resolution: Enclosed alcove with a 75” partition and sliding door for compliance.

      Comment: Missing menu and food list.
      
Resolution: Submitted full operating menu with item-by-item categorization.

Architectural Code Comments

      Comment: Incorrect code version referenced (IBC-2018).
      
Resolution: Updated all general notes and summaries to reflect IBC-2021 as currently adopted by the jurisdiction.

      Comment: Construction type not clearly designated.
      
Resolution: Stated and confirmed construction as Type III-B in all applicable sheets and summaries.

Conclusion: Delivering Permit-Ready Success

Unified Studio Architect went beyond traditional design by leading the entire permit response lifecycle. From mechanical coordination and ADA accessibility forms to county-specific health department documents, our firm ensures restaurant plans are not just creative—they’re fully compliant.

Our proactive approach to plan reviews saves time, prevents delays, and builds trust with permitting authorities. That’s the Unified advantage.

Want Help With Your Restaurant Design?

Looking to open a restaurant in Maryland, Virginia, or D.C.? Partner with Unified Studio Architect for expert architectural services, permitting support, and code-compliant drawings tailored to your jurisdiction.

Website: www.unifiedstudioarchitect.com
Specialties: Restaurant Architecture, Commercial Kitchens, Health Department Approvals, ADA Compliance, Code Corrections

This post covers how Unified Studio Architect navigated a multi-department review for a Maryland restaurant project. It explains every major plan review comment and our responses. Optimized for terms like “restaurant permit Maryland,” “commercial architect,” “food facility compliance,” and “COMcheck lighting calculation.”