Restaurant Compliance Requirements in California

California Requirements

Required Licenses & Permits

• Seller's Permit

  California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Seller's Permit authorizing the collection of sales tax on taxable retail sales.

• Food Service Facility License

  State or local health department operating permit required to legally operate a food service establishment.

• Liquor LicenseIf applicable

  State-issued license to sell or serve alcohol. Upload if your establishment sells or serves alcoholic beverages.

• County / City RequirementsIf applicable

  Any additional permits, licenses, or certificates required by your local county or municipality — such as a local business license, health permit, or zoning certificate. Confirm what applies to your location.

Held by your team

Required Certifications

• California Food Handler CardsPer employee

  Valid California Food Handler Card for each employee who handles non-prepackaged food. Must be obtained within 30 days of hire.

• Food Manager Certification

  California-accepted Certified Food Protection Manager certificate (ServSafe or equivalent) required for at least one employee per establishment.

• County-Specific Exam CertificateIf applicable

  Required in Riverside, San Bernardino, or San Diego county — a county food handler exam certificate in addition to the state card. Upload if applicable.

• Certified Food Protection Manager Certificate

  Certificate from an accredited food safety program (ServSafe, Prometric, etc.) held by the establishment's food protection manager.

Who inspects, and what they check

Inspection Requirements

Inspection frequency in California is set by state agencies and your local city or county. These are the inspections a restaurant should expect to pass and keep on file:

• Hood Cleaning Certificate

  Certificate from a licensed contractor confirming kitchen exhaust hood and duct cleaning (typically required semi-annually).

• Grease Trap Service Record

  Service records from a licensed grease trap cleaning and waste hauler confirming routine maintenance.

• Fire Inspection Report

  Current fire safety inspection report or certificate issued by your local fire department or fire marshal.

When each item comes due

Renewal Schedule

These are the items with a known renewal cadence — Rooots tracks the exact date for your business and reminds you before each one lapses.

Learn from others

Common Restaurant Compliance Mistakes

• 01Letting food handler or food protection manager certifications lapse for even one shift — inspectors check dates, not intentions.
• 02Skipping the semi-annual hood cleaning or grease-trap service record, then scrambling for the certificate during a surprise inspection.
• 03Forgetting that the liquor license renews on a different cycle than the health permit.
• 04Filing the health inspection report somewhere the manager on duty can't reach it.
• 05Assuming the state license covers the city or county food permit — it usually doesn't.

Questions owners ask

Frequently Asked Questions