Tennessee § 53-8-217 - Review and approval of plans and specifications.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 53-8-217 — Review and approval of plans and specifications., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 53-8-217. Review and approval of plans and specifications.
Whenever a food establishment is constructed or extensively remodeled, and whenever an existing structure is converted to use as a food establishment, plans and specifications shall be submitted to the commissioner for review and approval before construction, remodeling, or conversion begins. The plans and specifications shall indicate the proposed layout, arrangement, mechanical plans, construction materials and work areas, and the type and model of proposed fixed equipment and facilities. The commissioner shall approve the plans and specifications, if they meet the requirements of this part and rules and regulations. No food establishment shall be constructed, extensively remodeled or converted, except in accordance with plans and specifications approved by the commissioner. Any deviation from the submitted plans and specifications previously approved by the commissioner discovered during an inspection that would not compromise the safety of food products shall not delay the issuance of a permit to operate a food establishment. Acts 2013, ch. 182, § 17. Compiler's Notes. Former title 53, ch. 8, part 2, §§ 53-8-201 — 53-8-222 (Acts 1986, ch. 633, §§ 1, 3-23; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1991, ch. 148, § 1; 1995, ch. 383, § 1; 2001, ch. 311, §§ 1-4; 2003, ch. 29, § 2), concerning the Retail Food Store Inspection Act of 1986, was repealed and reenacted by Acts 2013, ch. 182, §§ 1-21, effective July 1, 2015. Effective Dates. Acts 2013, ch. 182, § 50. July 1, 2015; provided, that, for rulemaking purposes, the act took effect April 23, 2013.
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 53-8-217
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 53-8-217 cover?
Section 53-8-217 ("Review and approval of plans and specifications.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 53-8-217?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 53-8-217" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 53-8-217 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.