Do I Need MEP Plans for a Restaurant?

Quick Answer

Yes — virtually every restaurant permit requires MEP engineering plans. Restaurant commercial kitchens involve complex mechanical systems (exhaust, make-up air, grease exhaust), gas piping, plumbing for kitchen and restrooms, and significant electrical loads. These systems all require engineering documentation for the building permit.

MEP Engineering Required for Most Restaurant Permits

Mechanical — HVAC, kitchen exhaust, make-up air, grease exhaust
Electrical — service sizing, panel schedules, kitchen equipment loads, one-line diagram
Plumbing — kitchen plumbing, grease waste, grease interceptor, restrooms, gas piping
Energy code compliance documentation — required in most jurisdictions
Health department may also review MEP systems in some jurisdictions

Special Restaurant MEP Complexity

Kitchen exhaust hoods require engineered exhaust and make-up air systems
Grease exhaust systems are separate from general HVAC exhaust
Gas piping must be engineered for cooking equipment BTU loads
Grease interceptors must be sized based on fixture unit and trap counts
Restaurant electrical loads are typically much higher than general commercial
Health code and fire code requirements interact with MEP engineering

What to Send for a Restaurant MEP Proposal

Architectural plans showing kitchen layout and equipment locations
Equipment schedule with gas BTU, electrical voltage/amperage, and ventilation requirements
Jurisdiction and address — energy code requirements vary by state and city
Target permit date so we can schedule accordingly

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Get Restaurant MEP Engineering — Send Your Plans 480-490-0064