Cooking Regulations

107.2 Operational Permit for Cooking and the use of LP-gas

An operational permit is required by the fire code official as permitted under the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code in accordance with table 107.2

609.2 Commercial Kitchen Hoods

A Type I hood shall be installed at or above all commercial appliances and domestic cooking appliances used for commercial purposes that produce grease vapors in mobile food preparation vehicles.

319.4  Exhaust Hood

Cooking equipment that produces grease laden vapors shall be provided with a kitchen exhaust hood in accordance with National Fire Prevention Association 96 Annex B.

904.2.1 Commercial Hood and Duct Systems

Each required commercial kitchen exhaust hood and duct system required by Section 319.4 for mobile food preparation vehicles to have a Type I hood shall be protected with an approved automatic fire extinguishing system installed in accordance with this code.

319.5  Fire Protection for Cooking Equipment

Cooking equipment shall be protected by automatic fire extinguishing systems in accordance with section 904.3.

904.3  Installation

Automatic fire extinguishing systems shall be installed in accordance with Annex B of the National Fire Protection Association 96 when required in mobile food preparation vehicles.

904.12.5 Portable Fire Extinguishers for Commercial Cooking Equipment

Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided within a 30' distance of travel from commercial-type cooking equipment.  Cooking equipment involving solid fuels or vegetable or animal oils and fats shall be protected by a Class "K" rated extinguisher in accordance with Section 904.12.5.1 or 904.12.5.2 as applicable.

904.12.5.2 Class "K" Portable Fire Extinguishers for Deep Fat Fryers

Where hazard areas include deep fat fryers, listed Class "K" portable fire extinguishers shall be provided.

3104.7 Open or Exposed Flame

Open flame or other devices emitting flame, fire or heat or any flammable or combustible liquids, gas, charcoal or other device or any other unapproved devices shall not be permitted inside or located within 20 Feet of the tent or membrane structures while open to the public unless approved by the fire code official.

3104.4.12 Portable Fire Extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided as required by Section 906 (Minimum 3A-40BC) with current inspection tag.

3104.15.3 Location

Cooking and heating equipment shall not be located within 10 Feet of exits or combustible materials.

3104.15.4 Operations

Operations such as warming of foods, cooking demonstrations and similar operations that use solid flammables, butane or other similar devices which do not pose an ignition hazard, shall be approved.

3104.15.5 Cooking Tents

Tents with sidewalls or drops where cooking is performed shall be separated from other tents or membrane structures by not less than 20 Feet. 

3104.16.2 Locations of Containers

LP-gas containers shall be located outside. Safety release valves shall be pointed away from the tent or membrane structure.

3104.16.2.1 Containers 500 Gallons or Less

Portable LP-gas containers with a capacity of 500 gallons or less shall have a minimum separation between the container and structure not less than 10 Feet.  10 Foot hose required.

3104.16.2.2 Containers More Than 500 Gallons

Portable LP-gas containers with a capacity of more than 500 gallons shall have minimum separation between the container and the structures not less than 25 Feet.  25 Foot hose required.

3104 16.3 Protection and Security

Portable LP-gas containers, piping, valves and fittings that are located outside and are being used to fuel equipment inside a tent or membrane structure shall be adequately protected to prevent tampering, damage by vehicles or other hazards and shall be located in an approved location. Portable LP-gas containers shall be securely fastened in place to prevent unauthorized movement.