BERC - Food Services Program

OUR MISSION: Promoting business success and enhancing environmental quality by providing a free technical resource center on behalf of local government

Duane O'Donnell
Phone: 916.649-0130
E-mail:

What resources are available to help me open a restaurant or food service business in Sacramento County? I want to open a restaurant at an existing facility that was previously used for similar purposes. Will this help speed up the permitting process? My grocery store is scheduled to have an inspection by a regulatory agency. What should I expect and what documents should I have on hand? I am contemplating opening a business in Sacramento County. What incentives and/or economic business development services are available? Who do I call if I have a complaint about the following: a business operating without a license, road and sidewalk hazards, air quality hazards, abandoned vehicles and so on?
What resources are available to help me open a restaurant or food service business in Sacramento County?
	The county has developed a booklet to assist those interested in opening a restaurant or food service business in Sacramento County. In addition, you should contact the Sacramento County, Environmental Management Department, Environmental Health Division to obtain a Health Permit and Permit to Operate for your restaurant or food service businesses.
I want to open a restaurant at an existing facility that was previously used for similar purposes. Will this help speed up the permitting process?
	Not necessarily. We suggest you contact the local Planning and Building Departments, as well as the jurisdictional Fire District, to determine whether the building being considered will meet specific zoning, building code, and fire code requirements. It is best to check with these agencies prior to purchasing a facility or signing a lease agreement. It is possible that the similar business previously occupying the building may have operated without the proper permits and/or approvals. The potential costs associated with bringing a structure up to "code" may be substantial, often times costing thousands of dollars.
My grocery store is scheduled to have an inspection by a regulatory agency. What should I expect and what documents should I have on hand?
	Generally, inspections are a means for regulatory agencies to verify that a business is operating within regulatory requirements. The purpose for an inspection is to observe how a business is physically conducting its operations, review and verify that a business has maintained the proper documentation and records, and verify compliance with applicable regulatory and permit requirements. As part of the inspection process, a local, state, or federal representative may arrive at your business either announced or unannounced to perform an inspection of your business. Typically, the inspection will consist of examining your facility for such things as: Poor food conditions, spoilage Not meeting temperature requirements for potentially hazardous foods during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation Not having proper facilities to maintain product temperature Reserving unwrapped and potentially hazardous food Not restricting personnel with infections Unwashed and unclean hands, poor hygienic practices Improper sanitization of utensils and food equipment Unsafe water conditions Unsafe sewage and waste water disposal Inadequate plumbing Inadequate toilet and hand washing facilities Presence of insects, rodents, animals Toxic items improperly stored, labeled, used Inspections are typically conducted every one to three years. However, more frequent inspections could occur at facilities with outstanding or recurring compliance issues. Typically, you will receive a copy of the inspector’s report identifying any violations and specific time frames in which you will need to correct deficiencies (most often, immediately). If you are issued a "Notice to Comply/Correct" or a violation, and feel frustrated in trying to understand and comply with the regulatory requirements, you may either contact your inspector to discuss the matter or BERC may be able to provide some assistance. BERC offers mediation services as an ombudsman between the business community and agencies. BERC’s neutral third party role is to listen to all sides of an issue, facilitate communication, develop creative solutions, and reach equitable agreements that benefit all parties. Our efforts have saved businesses and agencies thousands of dollars. Please contact BERC if you would like to know more about our ombudsman services.
I am contemplating opening a business in Sacramento County. What incentives and/or economic business development services are available?
	Sacramento County has specific incentives and designated enterprise zones designed to promote business growth in our community. For businesses interested in locating to the Sacramento area, there are several other County and City programs that can offer economic development assistance as well. For additional information and assistance please contact: County of Sacramento, Department of Economic Development (916) 874-5220 700 H. Street, Room 7650, Sacramento, CA 95814 City of Sacramento, Office of Economic Development (916) 264-1967 915 I Street, Room 301, Sacramento, CA 95814 Sacramento Area Commerce and Trade Organization (SACTO) (916) 441-2144 400 Capitol Mall, Suite 1860, Sacramento, CA 95814-4436 Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) (916) 444-9210 P.O. Box 1834, Sacramento, CA 95812-1834 Click here for information on more Small Business Assistance Organizations.
Who do I call if I have a complaint about the following:
	A business operating without a license Road and sidewalk hazards Air quality hazards Abandoned vehicles Flooding and/or levee problems Animal & wildlife damage and/or hazards Housing conditions Illegal construction or occupancy Unsanitary and unsafe premises Weights & measures irregularities Zoning violations Smoking ordinance violations Smoke, pesticides, and other irritants in the air Clogged storm drains, street flooding, overfilled drainage ditches, and levee breaks or overtopping Skunk problems, animal bites, loose & stray animals, and dead animals causing a traffic hazard Substandard housing conditions Pest & rodent infestations Building without a permit and occupancy of a substandard structure Pot holes and pavement failures, traffic hazards, trees and other vision obstructions, and unsafe sidewalks Raw sewage backups and animal waste problems Irregularities in measurement at gasoline pumps, scales, or other measuring devices Junk/rubbish in yards Auto repair in inappropriate areas Occupied trailers Building setbacks Commercial vehicle parking in residential areas Illegal business operations Poultry in inappropriate areas Non-conforming signs Contact the Sacramento County Community Hazards & Nuisance Complaint Center at (916) 875-5656 to report any of the above mentioned hazards and nuisances located within the unincorporated portion of Sacramento County. If there is a hazard or nuisance within one of the cities then that city's nuisance and hazard center would have to be contacted. For hearing impaired persons, a TDD is available at (916) 875-8505.