What are the grease trap requirements in Los Angeles, CA?

Food service establishments in Los Angeles must install and maintain grease traps or interceptors per local FOG ordinances. The city follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).

What size grease trap do I need for my restaurant in Los Angeles?

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. Gravity grease interceptors minimum 750 gallons for food service establishments per LA Municipal Code; hydromechanical grease interceptors minimum 20 GPM (under-sink units); sizing per California Plumbing Code Section 1014.2 based on fixture unit count and flow rate. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
Los Angeles, CA

Q: Do I need a grease trap permit in Los Angeles?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Los Angeles. Fee: Industrial Waste Permit required; fees vary by facility type, typically $200-$800 annually.

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Los Angeles, California. Serving 23,693 food service establishments.

Minimum every 90 days

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

UPC (California Plumbing Code based on Uniform Plumbing Code)

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency Minimum every 90 days; more frequently if 25% grease cap rule is triggered

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee Industrial Waste Permit required; fees vary by facility type, typically $200-$800 annually

Max Fine $25,000 per day per violation under LAMC Section 64.30; criminal penalties up to $1,000/day and/or imprisonment for willful violations

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	Gravity grease interceptors minimum 750 gallons for food service establishments per LA Municipal Code; hydromechanical grease interceptors minimum 20 GPM (under-sink units); sizing per California Plumbing Code Section 1014.2 based on fixture unit count and flow rate
Pumping Frequency	Minimum every 90 days; more frequently if 25% grease cap rule is triggered
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	Industrial Waste Permit required; fees vary by facility type, typically $200-$800 annually
Maximum Fine	$25,000 per day per violation under LAMC Section 64.30; criminal penalties up to $1,000/day and/or imprisonment for willful violations
Inspections	LA Sanitation conducts periodic inspections; high-risk FSEs inspected annually; routine inspections at minimum every 2-3 years
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	UPC (California Plumbing Code based on Uniform Plumbing Code)
Ordinance Ref.	LAMC Section 64.30 (Industrial Waste); LA Bureau of Sanitation FOG Control Program; California Plumbing Code Section 1014.0 et seq.
Authority	LA Bureau of Sanitation, Industrial Waste Management Division

Additional Notes

LA's FOG program was significantly expanded after major SSOs (Sanitary Sewer Overflows). All food service establishments must install and maintain approved grease interceptors. The city uses the California Plumbing Code (based on UPC) for sizing requirements. Grease haulers must be licensed and manifests must be maintained. LA requires BMPs including employee training, dry cleanup practices, and proper oil recycling.

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.