Local permits & fees

Sonoma County, CA — Commercial Kitchen Permits

Sonoma County Environmental Health & Safety (Dept. of Health Services) · department site →
Fees change often — always confirm the current amount with the department before you budget.

Restaurant / food-facility permit

Food Facility Operating Permit (annual)
$1,488 (Moderate Preparation, <2,000 sq ft)

Tiered by prep level and floor area. Minimal/No Prep $662; Moderate Prep <2,000 sq ft $1,488 / 2,000-6,000 $1,544 / >6,000 $1,826; Extensive Prep <2,000 $1,938 / 2,000-6,000 $2,117 / >6,000 $2,286.

Plan review — required

Major new construction/remodel $2,088 (8 hr min + hourly); Minor $1,044 (4 hr min + hourly); Equipment replacement/addition $261 (1 hr min + hourly)

Plan-review details & forms →

Food truck / mobile permit

Mobile Food Facility Permit
$862 (Moderate Preparation)

Minimal/No Prep $490; Moderate Prep $862; Extensive Prep $977. Each truck is a separate business requiring its own inspection and permit; approved plans + valid health permit required before operation.

Watch out for

  • New construction or major upgrades require plan review and a construction inspection before the health permit application is accepted.
  • Every mobile unit is treated as a separate business with its own inspection and permit fees.

Other food-service permits in this jurisdiction

CategoryAnnual feeNotes
caterer$858Food - Caterer (3R40) $858; Food - Local Caterer w/ TFF (3R42) $1,175.
commissary/shared/central kitchen$1,070Food - Rental/Catering Kitchen (3R45) $1,070; Food - Host Facility (3R47) $597.
temporary/seasonal/special-event$263TFF Pre-Pkg No Food Prep Annual (3T11) $263; Community Event Organizer 2-5 Vendors (3T43) $804; 6-19 Vendors (3T47) $1,254.
pushcart/limited or low-risk operation$224LSCFO Pre-Pkg No Prep (3CF1) $224 (Limited Service Charitable Feeding Op / low-risk prepackaged). General 'Minimal or No Preparation' food facility (3R05) $662.
market/grocery with deliNo market-specific line published; retail food permitted by preparation-risk tier (Minimal/No Prep $662; Moderate Prep <2,000 sq ft $1,488).
bakeryNo distinct bakery category; permitted under preparation-risk food facility tiers.
bar/tavernNo distinct bar/tavern category published on the fee schedule page.
food processing/wholesaleNot published as a distinct category.
Sources: sonomacounty.gov · sonomacounty.gov · observed 2026-08-07