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SFDPH Permit to Operate a food facility (health permit): San Francisco restaurant guide

SF Department of Public Health — Environmental Health

What it is

The operating permit every restaurant, bar, bakery, take-out and catering facility in San Francisco must hold; issued after the final inspection and not transferable to a new owner.

When a restaurant needs it

Before serving food or drink; a new permit is required whenever ownership or the entity type changes.

How to apply

Apply online at least one month before opening with your Business Account Number, Location ID, federal tax ID, proof of workers' compensation and food safety manager certificate; DPH schedules the opening inspection.

Documents you’ll need

Business Account Number (BAN) and Location ID (LIN)
Federal taxpayer ID
Proof of workers' compensation insurance
Food safety manager certificate
Menu and floor plan (varies by facility type)
Approved plan check (if built or remodeled)

Fee

Permit to Operate application fee (with initial inspection) $427; annual license: Restaurants under 1,000 sq ft $1,103, 1,000–2,000 sq ft $1,454, over 2,000 sq ft $1,664; Bars/Taverns with food prep $1,192, without $941; Take-Outs $1,320; Retail Bakeries with food prep $1,619, without $944 (FY 2025-26 schedule) — starting in 2026 these annual license fees are waived under Prop M and bill at $0

Processing time

Apply at least 1 month before opening

Renewal

Annual license billed by the Treasurer & Tax Collector, due March 31 (fee waived from 2026)

Who files

The permit holder (owner/entity) applies; a representative may submit.

Good to know

A bar with no kitchen still needs a Permit to Operate (the 'Bars/Taverns without food prep' class). The permit is location- and owner-specific: buying an existing restaurant means a new application and inspection.

Official source

SFDPH — get a health permit for a restaurant or bar · TTX — Prop M license fee elimination list (2026)

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.