Prepared by GreaseTrapLocator · Fact review: August 8, 2026 · re-checked October 16, 2026
Identify every approving authority
The sewer or pretreatment program, plumbing/building official, and public-health authority may have separate responsibilities. Record the contact, file number, required inspection, and written approval from each authority that applies to the project.
Confirm the approved plan still matches
- Menu, cooking processes, and equipment match the submitted project.
- Fixture schedule and drain routing match the approved plumbing plan.
- Device category, manufacturer, model, size/rating, and listing match the approval.
- Installation, venting, flow control, covers, access, sampling, and service arrangements match the plan and manual.
- Any change was submitted for revised approval when required.
Prepare the operating program
Before opening, keep the current manual on site, assign maintenance responsibility, document the local service trigger, prepare the required log, choose an authorized service method, and post the utility and public-health emergency contacts. Do not invent a quarterly starting schedule or fill the unit with a hose unless the approving authority and manufacturer specifically direct it for that project.
Obtain written permission to operate
Do not treat this worksheet as permission to open. Keep the actual inspection result, approval, certificate, or written operating direction required by the jurisdiction.
Official sources used
Austin Water
Austin warns businesses not to buy before plan approval and publishes its own fixture-unit sizing criteria.
Grease Trap Sizing & Design Criteria · reviewed August 8, 2026
New York City Department of Environmental Protection
Hydromechanical interceptors, gravity grease interceptors, and automatic grease-removal devices are distinct device categories with different sizing provisions.
15 RCNY §19-11, Best Management Practices for Non-Residential Dischargers of Fat, Oil, and Grease · link updated October 16, 2026
King County
Fixture routing and connection requirements can differ locally and must not be stated as a universal fixture list.
King County Code Title 16 · reviewed August 8, 2026
City of Chandler
Local programs may require maintenance records and specific service information; the actual local record rule controls.
Food Service Establishments: Industrial Pretreatment Program · reviewed August 8, 2026
Frequently asked questions
Will every restaurant have the same pre-opening inspection sequence?
No. The agencies, order, documents, and approvals differ by jurisdiction and project.
Should we fill the interceptor with a hose before inspection?
Only if the approving authority and current manufacturer instructions specifically require that step for the installed device.
Can we choose a maintenance schedule before opening?
Document the local rule and manufacturer instructions, then use safe operating records to refine the schedule where the authority permits.
Does this checklist authorize the restaurant to open?
No. Retain the written approval or operating direction required by the applicable authority.
Author: Grease Trap Locator Editorial Team
The Grease Trap Locator editorial team covers FOG compliance, grease trap maintenance, and commercial kitchen regulations across the US and Canada. Our guides are written for restaurant owners, facility managers, and food service operators who need practical, accurate information without the fluff.
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