Environmental Health
Food Safety Program: Caterer Permits
A caterer is any person (or entity) who supplies food and beverages and/or related services to any off premise public or private function. Caterers are required to obtain a permit to operate from the Department of Public Health.
Obtaining a Permit
Refer to the Fee Schedule in the Helpful Links for information on application fees. Send all application forms and documents to:
- Environmental Health Section
- Attn: Food Safety Program
- 1390 Market Street, Suite 210
- San Francisco, CA 94102
To obtain a permit to operate, you must submit the following materials:
- Permit Application Packet (pdf) - This packet includes an Application for Food Permit to Operate, a Labor Law Checklist for San Francisco Business Owners, a Declaration of Healthy and Safe Working Conditions, and a Workers' Compensation Declaration. Please Note: You do no need to complete the Fire Marshall Referral Form in this packet for a Caterer Food Permit!
- Copy of caterer's Certified Food Safety Certificate
- Copy of Catering Menu
- Completed Commissary Kitchen Verification Form (pdf) by owner of catering facility.
- Operating Schedule: days and hours caterer is operating at the commissary.
- Floor plan of Commissary: indicate all equipment, sinks, and storage spaces.
- A nonrefundable application Fee in the form of a check or money order made out to San Francisco Department of Public Health.
- Operation Plan: brief description of safe food handling practices in regards to the protection of food, equipment, and utensils from contamination and/or temperature abuses during transport from commissary to events.
