San Diego Restaurant Compliance Guide
Permits, licenses, inspections, and recurring records that apply to restaurants in San Diego. Includes city, county, state, and nationwide requirements.
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Opening a Restaurant
Permits and approvals required before you open.
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Food Facility Plan Check — San Diego CountyOne-time (new build or major remodel)San Diego County
New and remodeled San Diego restaurants must pass San Diego County food plan check before construction and opening.
Food Facility Permit & Pre-Opening Inspection — San Diego CountyOne-time to open (see annual renewal)San Diego County
Every San Diego restaurant must hold a San Diego County health permit issued after a passing inspection.
Raw Fish Parasite Destruction — Nationwide (FDA Food Code)As supplier changes
Fish served raw or undercooked must be frozen for parasite destruction, documented by a supplier freezing letter (some species are exempt).
Business Tax Certificate — San DiegoOne-time to register (see annual renewal)San Diego
All businesses operating in the City of San Diego must register for a Business Tax Certificate with the City Treasurer.
Consumer Self-Service (Buffet / Salad Bar) — Nationwide (FDA Food Code)Written procedures (review as menu changes)
Buffets and salad bars require food shields, safe utensils/dispensing, and (if using time instead of temperature) written procedures.
Specialized Processes — Variance & HACCP Plan — Nationwide (FDA Food Code)Before the process / as it changes
Specialized processes (ROP/sous vide, curing, smoking for preservation, acidification, sprouting) require a variance and a HACCP plan from your local health authority.
Seller's Permit (CDTFA) — San FranciscoCalifornia
California restaurants must hold a Seller's Permit from the CDTFA to collect sales tax on taxable meals; each location needs its own.
Zoning Use Verification & Land Use — San DiegoOne-time (or on change of use)San Diego
Confirm your San Diego site's zoning allows a restaurant (and alcohol, if applicable) via a Zoning Use Verification before building out.
Building Permit (Tenant Improvement) — San DiegoOne-time (per build-out/remodel)San Diego
San Diego restaurant build-outs and tenant improvements require a City building permit before work begins.
Certificate of Occupancy — San DiegoOne-time (on change of occupancy)San Diego
San Diego issues a Certificate of Occupancy on final approval when a tenant improvement changes the occupancy classification.
Local Alcohol Approval (Zoning Use Verification / CUP) — San DiegoOne-time (plus state license renewal)San Diego
Serving alcohol in San Diego requires a City Zoning Use Verification (and a Conditional Use Permit where applicable), paired with the state ABC license.
Alcohol License (CA ABC) — San FranciscoCalifornia
Serving alcohol in San Francisco requires a California ABC license; a Type 41 (beer/wine) can be applied for directly, while a Type 47 (spirits) typically must be purchased from an existing holder.
Grease Interceptor & FEWD Permit — San DiegoOne-time permit (see ongoing FOG service)San Diego
San Diego restaurants discharging grease must obtain a Food Establishment Wastewater Discharge (FEWD) permit and install approved grease-removal equipment.
Ongoing Requirements
Recurring inspections, renewals, and records you must maintain.
Shellstock Tag Retention — Nationwide (FDA Food Code)Retain each tag 90 days
Restaurants serving molluscan shellfish must keep the shellstock identification tags for 90 days after the container is emptied.
Hood Cleaning — Quarterly RecordsQuarterly
Commercial kitchen hoods must be professionally cleaned every 1–3 months depending on cooking volume. Proof may be requested by fire marshals, insurers, and landlords.
Offsite Catering — Time/Temperature Records — Nationwide (FDA Food Code)Every offsite event
Catered/offsite events require time-and-temperature control during transport and holding, with logs kept; a local catering permit or endorsement may also apply.
Food Facility Permit — Annual Renewal — San Diego CountyAnnualSan Diego County
The San Diego County food facility health permit renews annually, with recurring DEHQ inspections.
Hood Suppression System — Semi-Annual InspectionEvery 6 months
Your fire suppression system must be inspected and certified every 6 months by a licensed contractor. This is one of the most frequently requested documents by fire marshals and insurers.
Fire Extinguisher — Annual InspectionAnnual
All portable fire extinguishers must be inspected annually by a licensed contractor and visually checked monthly by staff.
Business Tax Certificate — Annual Renewal — San DiegoAnnualSan Diego
San Diego businesses renew their Business Tax Certificate with the City Treasurer each year.
Pest Control — Monthly Service RecordsMonthly
Georgia requires licensed pest control services for food establishments. Monthly service is the industry standard and health inspectors will review your logs.
Food Safety Certifications (Manager + Handler) — San FranciscoFood Handler Card every 3 yearsCalifornia
California requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager per food facility, plus a California Food Handler Card for most other food workers.
Insurance Certificate of Insurance (COI)Annual
A Certificate of Insurance proves your active coverage to landlords, vendors, lenders, and buyers. It must be updated annually and whenever coverage changes.
FOG / Grease Interceptor Service Records — San DiegoAt least every 90 days (quarterly)San Diego
San Diego requires grease traps to be cleaned at least every 90 days, with maintenance records kept at least three years.
HVAC / Refrigeration — Temperature Compliance & Service RecordsOngoing
Refrigeration must hold food at 41°F or below, and any refrigerant servicing must be done by EPA Section 608–certified technicians. Keep temperature logs and service records.
Waste / Sanitation — Refuse Storage & CollectionOngoing
Garbage and refuse must be stored in covered, cleanable containers and collected often enough to prevent pests and odors. Keep your commercial waste service records.
Equipment Maintenance — Good Repair & Service RecordsOngoing
Food equipment must be NSF-certified, kept in good repair, and able to wash, rinse, and sanitize correctly. Keep maintenance and ware-washing service records.
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