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

Food service establishments in San Francisco 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 Francisco?

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. 1,000 gallons minimum for gravity grease interceptors; smaller hydromechanical interceptors must be minimum 50 GPM and certified by PDI. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
San Francisco, CA

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

Yes, a FOG permit is required in San Francisco. Fee: Wastewater discharge permit fees vary; FOG-specific facility registration is included in the industrial waste permit program.

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in San Francisco, California. Serving 3,920 food service establishments.

At minimum every 90 days

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

UPC (California uses Uniform Plumbing Code)

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency At minimum every 90 days; more frequent pumping required if the 25% rule is exceeded at any inspection

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee Wastewater discharge permit fees vary; FOG-specific facility registration is included in the industrial waste permit program

Max Fine $10,000 per day per violation under San Francisco Public Works Code; additional state penalties may apply under California Water Code

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	1,000 gallons minimum for gravity grease interceptors; smaller hydromechanical interceptors must be minimum 50 GPM and certified by PDI
Pumping Frequency	At minimum every 90 days; more frequent pumping required if the 25% rule is exceeded at any inspection
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	Wastewater discharge permit fees vary; FOG-specific facility registration is included in the industrial waste permit program
Maximum Fine	$10,000 per day per violation under San Francisco Public Works Code; additional state penalties may apply under California Water Code
Inspections	At least annually; SFPUC may inspect more frequently based on risk or compliance history
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	UPC (California uses Uniform Plumbing Code)
Ordinance Ref.	San Francisco Public Works Code Article 4.1 - Industrial Waste; SF Health Code Article 9; SFPUC Wastewater Enterprise FOG Control Program; San Francisco Plumbing Code Section 1014
Authority	San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) Wastewater Enterprise; San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH) for food facility permits

Additional Notes

San Francisco has a comprehensive FOG program jointly managed by SFPUC and DPH. New and remodeled FSEs must install properly sized grease interceptors. The city encourages use of gravity grease interceptors over hydromechanical traps. Yellow grease recycling is encouraged. San Francisco requires Best Management Practices (BMPs) and staff training documentation.

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