The department has updated our change of ownership process to more clearly identify the steps needed for new owners to assume ownership of an existing, currently permitted food facility. The modified process provides several tools to assist you in making your change of ownership successful by providing guidance documents such as flow charts and checklists to better understand the process and associated timelines. All health permits are site-specific, owner specific, and are non-transferrable. It is highly recommended that new owners perform their due diligence to understand what may be required of a new owner. The California Health and Safety Code Section 114381 generally requires food facilities to be brought up to current code when a new owner applies for a permit. In addition, significant menu changes that may result in equipment or facility modification could be required to obtain approval from our department.
A completed 
Food Facility Ownership Change Request Form and Menu (if applicable) must be submitted when a new owner takes over an existing permanent food facility. It is highly recommended that a new owner apply as early as possible and prior to operating. If not submitted in advance, the new owner must submit within 10 days of operation, otherwise penalty fees may be applied.
A non-refundable, non-transferable fee of $342 will be assessed on all change of ownership requests. Fees will cover application processing, file review and one site inspection.
Please refer to the steps below to apply for your new permit to operate:
- Complete and submit Ownership Change Request Form
- Provide proof of ownership change
- Attach menu
- Prepare for inspection (Refer to Road Map for Self Inspection Checklist)
- Onsite inspection
- Complete and submit Permit Application and
Fee