(a) Before the construction or major remodeling of a retail food store or food service establishment, and whenever an existing structure is converted to use as a retail food store or food service establishment, properly prepared plans and specifications for such construction, major remodeling or conversion shall be submitted to the health officer for review and approval. The plans and specifications shall indicate the proposed layout, arrangement, mechanical plans, construction materials of work areas, and the type and model of proposed fixed equipment and facilities. The health officer shall treat such plans and specifications as confidential or trade secret information in accordance with law and shall approve the plans and specifications if they meet the requirements of this division. No retail food store or food service establishment shall be constructed, extensively remodeled or converted except in accordance with plans and specifications approved by the health officer.
(b) Whenever plans and specifications are required by this section, the health officer shall inspect the retail food store or food service establishment prior to the start of operations to determine compliance with the approved plans and specifications and with the requirements of this chapter.