Environmental Health

How to Get a Food Permit

BEFORE APPLYING FOR A PERMIT:

Once you select a potential site for opening a food establishment, you should first check with the

Planning Department
1660 Mission Street, 3rd floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-558-6377

Should the site location require new construction or remodeling, a Building Permit will be required from the Building Department  at (1660 Mission), and a deposit for $ 920.00 (check or money order) payable to the San Francisco Health Department is required for checking plans, inspecting construction or remodeling, and for other plan check activities (see Plan check link on the left). Unless it is a change of ownership (see below) plan check requirements must be met before a Permit to Operate is issued.

ONCE YOU ARE READY TO APPLY FOR A PERMIT TO OPERATE:

Change of Ownership - Permit to Operate is not transferable. When a new business owner takes over an existing business, the new owner must apply for a Permit within two (2) days, otherwise a citation will be issued. Once applications are received, an inspection will be scheduled.  A 45-day temporary permit will be issued and a reinspection conducted at the end of the 45-day period. Upon a successful inspection a Permit to Operate will be issued.