• Reviews and approves plans for new and remodeled food service facilities
• Conducts pre-opening inspections for new food service facilities
• Coordinates release of building permits and use and occupancy permits with other county and local agencies
• Conducts change of ownership inspections for food service facilities

A cottage food business (or a home-based business) is defined in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 10.15.0​3​ as a business that a) produces or packages cottage food products in a residential kitchen; and b) has annual revenues from the sale of cottage food products in an amount not exceeding $25,000. For more information, please go to this link here.

These State regulations govern all food service facilities in Harford County.  In addition to COMAR 10.15.03, the Food Control program utilizes State Laws, State and Local Health Department policies, and interpretive memos in the enforcement of the food regulations.  Copies of COMAR 10.15.03 are available at the Health Department for a cost.

Any operator of a food service facility that sells or provides food to the public must possess a valid Food Service Facility License.  Some exemptions are granted to bona fide non-profit organizations (see Non-Profit Facility Exemptions).  Licenses must be displayed in a conspicuous location within the food service facility.  Licenses are divided into seven (7) groupings based on the type of operation.  Licenses are valid for up to one year, with the exception of temporary and seasonal license. Notification is sent automatically to the operator prior to renewal.  Licenses are not transferable from person to person or place to place.  Additional information on licensing may be found in COMAR 10.15.03.28. The Health Department also issues temporary facility licenses in conjunction with special events.   These licenses are for a limited time and for specific events.

There are several steps that need to be taken when licensed food service facilities undergo a change in ownership.  Remember that licenses are not transferable from person to person, so the change of ownership process must be completed prior to selling or buying a food service facility.

• Application for a Plan Review for a Food Service Facility
• Application for Change of Ownership Inspection
• Temporary Food Service Facilities Application

• Fee Schedule for Food Service Facilities
• Fee Schedule for Change of Ownership Inspections
• Fee Schedule for a Plan Review for a New Food Service Facility
• Fee Schedule for Renovation or Addition to an Existing Food Service Facility

• Change of Ownership Guidelines
• Complaints
• Consumer Food Safety Information
• Excluded Organization Event Notification Form
• Food Talk
• Guidelines for Mobile Food Units
• Guidelines for Snowball Stands
• Maryland Food Establishment Ventilation Criteria
• Minimum Requirements for Temporary Food Service Facility
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Plan Review for New or Remodeled Facilities
• Temporary Food Service Requirements Checklist