What are the grease trap requirements in Santa Rosa, CA?

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

Do I need a grease trap permit in Santa Rosa?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Santa Rosa. Fee: Non-Residential Food Service Discharge Permit required — no charge for permit.

What size grease trap do I need for my restaurant in Santa Rosa?

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. 1,000 gallons minimum if garbage disposal is in use; otherwise per California Plumbing Code (UPC-based). Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
Santa Rosa, CA

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Santa Rosa, California.

When FOG/solids reach 25% of t

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

UPC

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency When FOG/solids reach 25% of trap capacity; typically every 1–3 months for high-volume restaurants

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee Non-Residential Food Service Discharge Permit required — no charge for permit

Max Fine Per city enforcement provisions; contact Environmental Compliance Section at (707) 543-3369

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	1,000 gallons minimum if garbage disposal is in use; otherwise per California Plumbing Code (UPC-based)
Pumping Frequency	When FOG/solids reach 25% of trap capacity; typically every 1–3 months for high-volume restaurants
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	Non-Residential Food Service Discharge Permit required — no charge for permit
Maximum Fine	Per city enforcement provisions; contact Environmental Compliance Section at (707) 543-3369
Inspections	Inspections by Environmental Compliance Section; periodic compliance reviews
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
Ordinance Ref.	Santa Rosa Municipal Code (General Sewer Use Requirements); Non-Residential Food Service Discharge Permit program; California Plumbing Code
Authority	City of Santa Rosa Utilities Department / Environmental Compliance Section

Additional Notes

Garbage disposals prohibited in commercial food establishments unless 1,000-gallon minimum interceptor is in use. Permit has no charge. Wastewater must be disposed through sanitary sewer with approved grease removal device. Serves Cotati, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, and Roseland area.

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