Opening a Restaurant?

If you’re thinking about opening a restaurant, start here for a checklist of items to consider and permits that you may need to obtain to get your business off the ground. Please note that this guide does not substitute for legal or professional advice, and additional permits may be required depending on the circumstances of your business.

How to Obtain a Restaurant Food Facility Permit

  • Visit the Restaurant and Small Business Express Program (RSBEP). The Case Management Network including City Planning, Fire Department, Bureau of Sanitation, Public Health Department, Department of Water and Power, and the Department of Building and Safety. The Restaurant & Small Business Express Program (RSBEP) helps facilitate the approval process for all restaurants and other small businesses. A case manager will be appointed to your project once the application is received.

  • If you are purchasing an existing restaurant and you do not anticipate any major construction or remodeling which requires a building permit : Contact the District Office closest to your restaurant to obtain a Public Health Permit

  • If you are planning to construct a new restaurant or are making major modifications to an existing restaurant: Contact the Plan Check Program at (626) 430-5560 regarding the submission of plans.