Restaurant / Market
What Is It?
A restaurant or market may require several different kinds of permits.
What Permits Do You Need?
You may need one or more of the permits below to open a business, including a food facility.
You will also need this IMPORTANT information:
Zone Clearance
Click here for Zone Clearance Application
A zone clearance provides the County with information about the business and location and is the procedure the County uses to “clear the zoning” of a proposed use at a particular location.
The County verifies that the proposed land use is allowed in the applicable zoning district and that the use complies with the development standards of the Zoning Code. The Planning Division issues zone clearances.
Construction
Click here for Construction Permit Processing Information
You may need a building permit if you are building a new restaurant and/or remodeling. In addition, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical (for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or a commercial range hood) permits may also be needed.
The Building & Safety Division issues building and construction permits.
Food Plan Check
The food facilities plan check staff review plans for most businesses who prepare, sell and/or serve food to the public such as restaurants and markets.
The staff ensure that the design and construction of both new and existing facilities meet the California Retail Food Code requirements. The Environmental Health Division issues Food Plan Check permits.
Plan reviews are usually required for the following activities:
- New construction
- Remodel or expansion of an existing facility
- New equipment installation
- Replacement of existing equipment
- Ownership change
- Menu change
Permit to Operate
Businesses including restaurants and markets are required to obtain a Permit to Operate. The Environmental Health Division issues Permit to Operate permits.
Business Tax Certificate/ Business License
Business Tax Certificate/ Business License
All businesses, professions, trades, vocations, enterprises, establishments, occupations and callings being conducted in the UNINCORPORATED areas of the county must obtain a Business Tax Certificate and/or Business License. This includes temporary businesses (e.g., film productions). Even businesses located within any city limits that deliver, solicit, or operate in the unincorporated areas of the county must have this certificate. The Treasurer-Tax Collector issues business tax certificates and business licenses.
