The Plan Review Unit of the Environmental Health Services Section protects public health by ensuring that plans for food service establishments meet the requirements of the North Carolina Rules Governing the Sanitation of Food Service Establishments (15A NCAC 18A .2600).

Plans for prototype franchised or chain food service establishments are reviewed based on the menu submitted. The emphasis of the review is on food preparation and food handling procedures, and the equipment used to support these operations.

Plans for prototype franchised or chain lodging establishments are reviewed according to the North Carolina Rules Governing the Sanitation of Lodging Establishments (15A NCAC 18A .1800), and plans for schools are reviewed according to the North Carolina Rules Governing the Sanitation of Public, Private and Religious Schools (15A NCAC 18A .2400).

The Plan Review Unit also provides training and technical support for local Environmental Health Specialists and industry representatives, with a goal of maintaining uniform plan review standards throughout North Carolina.