Who needs a public health permit for a food facility, with plan check in California?

Issued by Your county environmental health department (in Los Angeles County, Public Health Environmental Health), at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.

9 of the 20 kinds of business in California

Every food facility, from a coffee counter to a full kitchen, needs the county permit under the California Retail Food Code. Plans go to the health department before construction; the permit issues after the final inspection and payment. Grease interceptors and accessibility come from the city at the same time.

Checked Oct 17, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Your county environmental health department (in Los Angeles County, Public Health Environmental Health).

Sources and dates

Los Angeles County Public Health, how to obtain a restaurant permit, and its fee schedule. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.