District of Columbia Administrative Code

2500 MATERIALS ─ APPROVED MATERIALS, USE 2500.1 Materials that are used in the construction of a mobile water tank, mobile food establishment water tank, and appurtenances shall be safe, durable, corrosion-resistant, nonabsorbent, and finished to have a smooth, easily cleanable s…

2501 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION ─ ENCLOSED SYSTEM, SLOPED TO DRAIN 2501.1 A mobile water tank shall be enclosed from the filling inlet to the discharge outlet and sloped to an outlet that allows complete drainage of the tank. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 4394 (June 6…

2502 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION ─ ACCESS PORT, PROTECTED AND SECURED 2502.1 If a water tank is designed with an access port for inspection and cleaning, the opening shall be in the top of the tank, flanged upward at least thirteen millimeters (13 mm) or a half inch (1/2 in.) and equ…

2503 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION ─ "V" TYPE THREADS, USE LIMITATION 2503.1 A fitting with "V" type threads on a water tank inlet or outlet shall be allowed only when a hose is permanently attached. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 4394 (June 6, 2003); as amended by Final …

2504 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION ─ TANK VENT, PROTECTED 2504.1 If provided, a water tank vent shall terminate in a downward direction and shall be covered with a sixteen (16) mesh to twenty-five and four tenths millimeters (25.4 mm.) or sixteen (16) mesh to one inch (1 in.) screen or…

2505 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION ─ INLET AND OUTLET, SLOPED TO DRAIN 2505.1 A water tank and its inlet and outlet shall be sloped to drain. 2505.2 A water tank inlet shall be positioned so that it is protected from contaminants such as waste discharge, road dust, oil, or grease. SOUR…

2506 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION ─ DRINKING WATER HOSE, CONSTRUCTION AND IDENTIFICATION 2506.1 A hose used for conveying drinking water from a water tank, shall be safe, durable, corrosion-resistant, nonabsorbent, and shall be: (a) Resistant to pitting, chipping, crazing, scratching,…

2507 NUMBERS AND CAPACITIES ─ FILTER, COMPRESSED AIR 2507.1 A filter that does not pass oil or oil vapors shall be installed in the air supply line between the compressor and drinking water system when compressed air is used to pressurize the water tank system. P SOURCE: Final Ru…

2508 NUMBERS AND CAPACITIES ─ PROTECTIVE COVER OR DEVICE 2508.1 A cap and keeper chain, closed cabinet, closed storage tube, or other approved protective cover or device shall be provided for a water inlet, outlet, and hose. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 4394 (June…

2509 NUMBERS AND CAPACITIES ─ MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT TANK INLET 2509.1 A mobile food establishment's water tank inlet shall be nineteen and one tenth millimeters (19.1 mm) or three fourths inch (3/4 in.) in inner diameter or less and provided with a hose connection of a size o…

2510 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ─ SYSTEM FLUSHING AND DISINFECTION 2510.1 A water tank, pump, and hoses shall be flushed and sanitized before being placed in service after construction, repair, modification, and periods of nonuse. P SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 439…

2511 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ─ USING A PUMP AND HOSES, BACKFLOW PREVENTION 2511.1 A person shall operate a water tank, pump, and hoses so that backflow and other contamination of the water supply are prevented. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 4394 (June 6, 2003); a…

2512 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ─ PROTECTING INLET, OUTLET, AND HOSE FITTING 2512.1 If not in use, a water tank and hose inlet and outlet fitting shall be protected using a cover or device as specified in § 2508. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 4394 (June 6, 2003); as…

2513 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ─ TANK, PUMP, AND HOSES, DEDICATION 2513.1 Except as provided in § 2513.2, a water tank, pump, and hoses used for conveying drinking water shall be used for no other purpose. P 2513.2 Water tanks, pumps, and hoses approved for liquid foods may be us…

2600 MOBILE HOLDING TANK, CAPACITY, AND DRAINAGE 2600.1 A sewage holding tank in a mobile food establishment shall be fifteen percent (15%) larger in capacity than the water supply tank and sloped to a drain that is twenty-five millimeters (25 mm) or one inch (1 in.) in inner dia…

2601 RETENTION, DRAINAGE, AND DELIVERY ─ DRAINAGE SYSTEM 2601.1 Food establishment drainage systems, including grease traps, that convey sewage shall be designed and installed as specified in § 2401.1. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 4394 (June 6, 2003); as amended b…

2602 RETENTION, DRAINAGE, AND DELIVERY ─ BACKFLOW PREVENTION 2602.1 Except as specified in §§ 2602.2 through 2602.4, a direct connection shall not exist between the sewage system and a drain originating from equipment in which food, portable equipment, or utensils are placed. P 2…

2603 RETENTION, DRAINAGE, AND DELIVERY ─ GREASE TRAP 2603.1 A grease trap shall be easily accessible for cleaning. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 4394 (June 6, 2003); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 59 DCR 13690 (November 30, 2012). AUTHORITY: DC-DCMR Se…

2604 RETENTION, DRAINAGE, AND DELIVERY ─ CONVEYING SEWAGE 2604.1 Sewage shall be conveyed to the point of disposal through an approved sanitary sewage system or other system, including use of sewage transport vehicles, waste retention tanks, pumps, pipes, hoses, and connections t…

2605 RETENTION, DRAINAGE, AND DELIVERY ─ REMOVING MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT WASTES 2605.1 Removal of sewage and other liquid waste, including grease collections, shall comply with the provisions of this chapter. A copy of the establishment’s professional service contract shall be…

2606 RETENTION, DRAINAGE, AND DELIVERY ─ FLUSHING A WASTE RETENTION TANK 2606.1 A tank for liquid waste retention shall be thoroughly flushed and drained in a sanitary manner during the servicing operation. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 4394 (June 6, 2003); as amen…

2607 DISPOSAL FACILITY ─ APPROVED SYSTEM 2607.1 Sewage shall be disposed through an approved facility that is a public sewage treatment plant or an individual sewage disposal system that is sized, constructed, maintained, and operated according to the D.C. Plumbing Code (2008) in…

2608 DISPOSAL FACILITY ─ OTHER LIQUID WASTES AND RAINWATER 2608.1 Condensate drainage and other nonsewage liquids and rainwater shall be drained from point of discharge to disposal according to applicable District laws and regulations. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR…

2700 FACILITIES ON PREMISES ─ INDOOR STORAGE AREA 2700.1 If located within a food establishment, storage areas for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall meet the requirements specified in Chapters 28 and 29. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 4394 (June 6, 2003); a…

2701 FACILITIES ON PREMISES ─ OUTDOOR STORAGE SURFACE 2701.1 An outdoor storage surface for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be constructed of nonabsorbent material such as concrete or asphalt and shall be smooth, durable, and sloped to drain. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking p…

2702 FACILITIES ON THE PREMISES ─ OUTDOOR ENCLOSURE 2702.1 If used, an outdoor enclosure for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be constructed of durable and cleanable materials. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 4394 (June 6, 2003); as amended by Final Rulemak…

2703 FACILITIES ON PREMISES ─ RECEPTACLES 2703.1 Except as specified in § 2703.2, receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables and for use with materials containing food residue shall be durable, cleanable, insect and rodent resistant, leak proof,…

2704 FACILITIES ON PREMISES ─ RECEPTACLES IN VENDING MACHINES 2704.1 Except for a receptacle for beverage bottle crown closures, a refuse receptacle shall not be located within a vending machine. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 4394 (June 6, 2003); as amended by Fina…

2705 FACILITIES ON PREMISES ─ OUTSIDE RECEPTACLES 2705.1 Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables used with materials containing food residue and used outside the food establishment shall be designed and constructed to have tight-fitting lids,…

2706 NUMBERS AND CAPACITIES ─ STORAGE AREAS, ROOMS, AND RECEPTACLES 2706.1 An inside storage room and area, outside storage area and enclosure, and receptacles shall be of sufficient capacity to hold the refuse, recyclables, and returnables that accumulate. 2706.2 A receptacle sh…

2707 NUMBERS AND CAPACITIES ─ TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE, COVERED 2707.1 A toilet room used by females shall be provided with a covered receptacle for feminine hygiene products. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 4394 (June 6, 2003); as amended by Final Rulemaking published…

2708 NUMBERS AND CAPACITIES ─ CLEANING IMPLEMENTS AND SUPPLIES 2708.1 Except as specified in § 2708.2, suitable cleaning implements and supplies such as high-pressure pumps, hot water, steam, and detergent shall be provided as necessary for effective cleaning of receptacles and w…

2709 LOCATION AND PLACEMENT ─ STORAGE AREAS, REDEEMING MACHINES, RECEPTACLES, AND WASTE HANDLING UNITS 2709.1 An area designated for refuse, recyclables, returnables, and, except as specified in § 2709.2, a redeeming machine for recyclables or returnables shall be located so that…

2710 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ─ STORING REFUSE, RECYCLABLES, AND RETURNABLES 2710.1 Refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be stored in receptacles or waste handling units so that they are inaccessible to insects and rodents. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 4394…

2711 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ─ AREAS, ENCLOSURES, AND RECEPTACLES, GOOD REPAIR 2711.1 Storage areas, enclosures, and receptacles for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be maintained in good repair. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 4394 (June 6, 2003); as ame…

2712 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ─ OUTSIDE STORAGE PROHIBITIONS 2712.1 Except as specified in § 2712.2, refuse receptacles not meeting the requirements specified in § 2703 such as receptacles that are not rodent-resistant, unprotected plastic bags and paper bags, or baled units tha…

2713 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ─ COVERING RECEPTACLES 2713.1 Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be kept covered inside the food establishment if the receptacles and units contain food residue and are not in continuous use or after …

2714 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ─ USING DRAIN PLUGS 2714.1 Drains in receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall have drain plugs in place. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 4394 (June 6, 2003); as amended by Final Rulemaking publ…

2715 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ─ REFUSE AREAS AND ENCLOSURES 2715.1 A storage area and enclosure for refuse, recyclables, or returnables shall be maintained free of unnecessary items, and kept clean. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 4394 (June 6, 2003); as amended by …

2716 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ─ CLEANING RECEPTACLES 2716.1 Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be thoroughly cleaned in a way that does not contaminate food, equipment, utensils, linens, or single-service and single-use articles, …

2717 REMOVAL ─ FREQUENCY 2717.1 Refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be removed from the premises at a frequency that will minimize the development of objectionable odors and other conditions that attract or harbor insects and rodents. 2717.2 The licensee shall maintain a c…

2718 REMOVAL ─ RECEPTACLES OR VEHICLES 2718.1 Refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be removed from the premises by way of: (a) Portable receptacles that comply with this chapter; or (b) A District-licensed transport vehicle. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 4394…

2719 FACILITIES FOR DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING COMMUNITY OR INDIVIDUAL FACILITY 2719.1 Except as specified in section 2719.2, solid waste not disposed of through the sewage system such as through grinders and pulpers shall be recycled or disposed of in an approved public or private c…

2800 COMPLIANCE WITH DISTRICT LAWS 2800.1 The Department shall use this Code to promote the safeguarding of public health and ensure that food establishments are safe and in compliance with other District laws and regulations. The most current versions of the following District r…

2801 DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION ─ BUILDING MATERIALS & WORKMANSHIP 2801.1 The licensee of an existing food establishment shall maintain in good condition the physical integrity of its food establishment by repairing or replacing structural or design defects, operating systems, or fixt…

2802 INDOOR AREAS ─ SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS 2802.1 Except as specified in § 2802.2, materials for indoor floor, wall, and ceiling surfaces under conditions of normal use shall be: (a) Smooth, durable, and easily cleanable for areas where food establishment operations are conducte…

2803 OUTDOOR AREAS ─ SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS 2803.1 The outdoor walking and driving areas shall be surfaced with concrete, asphalt, or gravel or other materials that have been effectively treated to minimize dust, facilitate maintenance, and prevent muddy conditions. 2803.2 Exter…

2900 CLEANABILITY ─ FLOORS, WALLS, AND CEILINGS 2900.1 Except as specified in § 2903 and except for antislip floor coverings or applications may be used for safety reasons, floors, floor coverings, walls, wall coverings, and ceilings shall be designed, constructed, and installed …

2901 CLEANABILITY ─ FLOORS, WALLS, CEILINGS, AND UTILITY LINES 2901.1 Utility service lines and pipes shall not be unnecessarily exposed. 2901.2 Exposed utility service lines and pipes shall be installed so they do not obstruct or prevent cleaning of the floors, walls, or ceiling…

2902 CLEANABILITY ─ FLOOR AND WALL JUNCTURES, COVED, AND ENCLOSED OR SEALED 2902.1 In food establishments in which cleaning methods other than water flushing are used for cleaning floors, the floor and wall junctures shall be coved and closed to no larger than one millimeter (1 m…