What are the grease trap requirements in San Diego, CA?

Food service establishments in San Diego 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 San Diego?

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. Gravity grease interceptors minimum 750 gallons for FSEs; sizing per California Plumbing Code Section 1014.2; hydromechanical interceptors minimum 20 GPM for under-sink applications. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
San Diego, CA

Q: Do I need a grease trap permit in San Diego?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in San Diego. Fee: FOG Discharge Permit required; annual permit fees typically $150-$400 depending on facility class.

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in San Diego, California. Serving 7,761 food service establishments.

Every 90 days minimum or when

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

UPC (California Plumbing Code based on Uniform Plumbing Code)

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency Every 90 days minimum or when FOG accumulation reaches 25% of interceptor capacity

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee FOG Discharge Permit required; annual permit fees typically $150-$400 depending on facility class

Max Fine $10,000 per violation per day under San Diego Municipal Code; administrative civil penalties also available

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	Gravity grease interceptors minimum 750 gallons for FSEs; sizing per California Plumbing Code Section 1014.2; hydromechanical interceptors minimum 20 GPM for under-sink applications
Pumping Frequency	Every 90 days minimum or when FOG accumulation reaches 25% of interceptor capacity
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	FOG Discharge Permit required; annual permit fees typically $150-$400 depending on facility class
Maximum Fine	$10,000 per violation per day under San Diego Municipal Code; administrative civil penalties also available
Inspections	City of San Diego Public Utilities Department conducts inspections; FSEs inspected on a risk-based schedule, typically every 1-3 years
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	UPC (California Plumbing Code based on Uniform Plumbing Code)
Ordinance Ref.	San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6, Article 4, Division 3 (Industrial User Discharge); California Plumbing Code Section 1014.0 et seq.; San Diego FOG Program Requirements
Authority	City of San Diego Public Utilities Department, Environmental Monitoring and Technical Services Division

Additional Notes

San Diego has an active FOG program to protect its Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant and prevent SSOs. The city follows California Plumbing Code (UPC-based) for interceptor sizing. All grease haulers must be permitted. The city provides FOG best management practice guides to FSEs. San Diego requires food facilities to designate a FOG contact person.

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