Arkansas Department of Health

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Plan Review and Submission Portal

The Arkansas Department of Health has introduced and implemented a new ELECTRONIC Plan Submission portal.

WELCOME to the Arkansas Department of Health Plan Review page. The mission of the Arkansas Department of Health is to protect and improve the health and well-being of all Arkansans. The plan review process is one important factor in attaining this mission.

The purpose of a plan review process is to ensure that development or building projects comply with the adopted policies and codes. Staff review plan submissions for proposed projects. Plan reviews are coordinated through multiple divisions Engineering (Civil projects: drinking water, civil drawings, drinking wells, etc.), Protective Health Codes (Plumbing, Natural Gas), and Environmental (Retail Food, Wholesale/Manufactured food, Public Swimming Pools/Spas). This coordinated process helps to ensure that all pertinent codes/policies are followed in the design and execution of the project. 

Adhering to the ADH Guiding Principles, the Plan Review staff work diligently to review all projects in a timely manner. While the staff is allotted up to 30 days to complete a review, review times vary depending on numerous factors. To ensure the most efficient process, providing complete submissions referencing the current adopted codes is necessary. For more information contact the appropriate division(s).

Plans may now be submitted electronically along with electronic forms and electronic pay capabilities. ADH has also implemented electronic review software, Bluebeam Revu. This is beneficial for submitters who are out of town and out of state thus saving time, gas, and money.

ADH Plan Review Divisions:

• Protective Health Codes (Plumbing, Natural Gas)
• Engineering
• Environmental
• Retail Food
• Manufactured/Wholesale Food
• Public/Semi-Public Pool/Spa

Plan Submissions:

Plans may be submitted in person, by mail, or electronically. Plans may be brought in person by contacting the proper division and setting an appointment for review*. If the submitter is unable to wait for review, plans may be dropped off and staff will review them and send documentation of the review. Plans may also be mailed to the ADH central office in Little Rock. For proper routing, each division has a specific slot number that must be included on the address.

*(Please note that appointments or building access may be limited or ceased during the Covid-19 pandemic).

Paper Plan submissions are accepted in the same manner they have been in the past. Each submission should consist of complete plans with all pages required for each specific division required, all associated forms/applications/documents, and associated fees.

All project submissions require a Project Cost Estimate worksheet and Plan Review fee. Projects that are multiple departments (e.g. Plumbing and Retail food) share 1 form and 1 Plan Review Fee. For this example, Plumbing costs and Food establishment costs are added to get the total project cost. The Plan Review fee is then calculated as 1% of the project cost (minimum $50 and maximum $500).

Electronic Plan submissions are submitted through https://planreview.adh.arkansas.gov/. Those submitting plans electronically are required to create a unique user account. The Project Cost Estimate sheet can be electronically filled out and plans submitted as attachments. Please submit attachments as PDF or CAD files. Photos or .JPEG attachments are allowed but they cannot be utilized in the electronic review process and must be printed out for use/review. Upon submission, staff will issue an invoice for payment. Due to system requirements, payment cannot be made until after 9:00 am the following day. Staff will not review or release any approvals until payment is confirmed.  

Staff can attach approval letters or other documentation of the review as an attachment to the file or send via email or postal service.

Divisional:

Retail Food (mobile, kiosk, pushcart, brick & mortar) requires a retail food permit application and an initial annual permit fee at the time of submission. Click the Retail Food link here for the Plan Review Packet.

In addition, plans should provide the following:

• Full layout
• Kitchen/Prep/Storage
• Equipment plan
• Sinks- 3 compartment sink(s), bar sinks, mechanical washers, mop/utility sink, dump sinks, and hand sinks
• Finish schedules
• Reflected Ceiling Plan
• Proposed/intended menu
• Grill/Pit/Smoker location and enclosed
• HACCP plan or variance request for specialized processes
• Restroom(s) with self-closing doors and exhaust fan

Manufactured Food also requires a food permit application and an initial annual permit fee at the time of submission. Click the Manufactured/Wholesale Food Link here for the Plan Review Packet. Consult the webpage for additional submission requirements.

Plumbing Plan Review submission requirements are contained here.

Engineering-Water and Sewer Utility submission requirements here.

NOTE: HVAC has moved to the Department of Labor.

Divisional Plan Contacts	Phone
Retail Food: Chuck Dumas	501-661-2163
Manufactured/Wholesale Food: Louis Nevala Brad Tubbs	501-661-2171
Swimming Pools/Spas: Cole Kitchens	501-661-2171
Plumbing/Natural Gas: Josh Hazlewood Pam McCullah Bill Sims	501-661-2022 501-661-2650 501-661-2648
Engineering: Lance Jones	501-661-2623
Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Links:

• Retail Food Application
• Mobile Food Service Area Agreement
• Arkansas Food Code
• Arkansas Plumbing Regulations
• Arkansas Plumbing & Natural Gas Resources
• Engineering plan guidance and forms
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Arkansas Agriculture Department (AAD)
• Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
• Arkansas Hospitality Association
• Arkansas Department of Labor