Planning to open a restaurant in San Francisco, CA? This guide simplifies the process by detailing the required licenses and permits, and explaining the registration steps involved, making it easier for restaurant owners to get started.
1. Zoning Permit
Purpose: To ensure your location is zoned appropriately for your restaurant.
Cost: Varies based on location and business type.
How to Register: Apply through the SF Planning Department.
2. Building Permit
Purpose: Required for any construction, demolition, or building alterations.
Cost: Calculated as a percentage of construction costs.
How to Register: Apply at the SF Department of Building Inspection.
3. Health Permit to Operate
Purpose: To certify that your restaurant meets health and safety standards.
Cost: Online certification programs may cost between $69.95 to $119.96 as of December 2023.
How to Register: Apply at the SF Department of Public Health.
4. Food Safety Certifications
Purpose: To ensure all employees are trained in food safety.
Cost: Varies
How to Register: Apply through the SF Department of Public Health.
5. Business Registration
Purpose: Legally operate your business in San Francisco.
Cost: Varies depending on San Francisco gross receipts
How to Register: Register at the City and County of San Francisco.
6. Seller's Permit
Purpose: Required for selling goods in California.
Cost: Varies
How to Register: Apply at the CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
7. Liquor License
Purpose: To serve alcohol at your establishment.
Cost: Varies
How to Register: Apply through the CA Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Resources
For more detailed information, visit the following sources:
For assistance with the permitting process, visit the Office of Small Business at the Permit Center.
Learn More About San Francisco
- Local food delivery trends and restaurant insights
- What licenses and permits are needed to open a food truck
- How to apply for a liquor license
- What is the minimum wage
- How much are chefs paid
- How much are restaurant general managers paid
- How much are bartenders paid
- How much are line cooks paid
- How much are servers paid
About Otter
- Increase revenue up to 10% with Marketing*
- Reduce storefront downtime by up to 50% with Live Alerts*
- Increase sales up to 50% with Digital Dine-In's QR code ordering*
- Reduce missed orders to less than 1% with Order Manager's Auto-Accept feature*
- Supercharge your food business with our all-in-one restaurant POS system*