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Public Health Rules in San Diego, CA (2026)

4 verified public health rules for San Diego, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Restaurant Grade Cards

San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ) inspects every food facility in the city and posts a numerical inspection score with pass, conditional pass, or closed status. The county uses a 100-point deduction system, not the LA-style A/B/C cards.

County DEH posts numerical scores at San Diego restaurants

Some Restrictions

Rodent Control

San Diego County Vector Control Program investigates rodent complaints and educates owners. SDMC Chapter 11 requires every property owner to keep premises free of rats and mice. California AB-1788 bans non-licensed use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides statewide.

Vector Control plus property-owner duty to abate rodents

Some Restrictions

Syringe Disposal

California Health and Safety Code §118286 bans home-generated sharps from regular trash or recycling. San Diego County HHSA runs the Safer Healthcare and Resource Project (SHARP) with free drop-off sites and mail-back kits for residents.

Home sharps banned from trash; SHARP program offers free drop-off

Heavy Restrictions

Food Handler Certification

California Health and Safety Code §113948 requires every food employee in San Diego to obtain an ANSI-accredited Food Handler Card within thirty days of hire and renew it every three years. San Diego County DEHQ verifies cards during routine inspections.

Food workers need state Food Handler Card within 30 days of hire

Some Restrictions

Cal. Health & Safety Code § 113948

(a) (1) Subject to the exceptions described in subdivision (e), a food handler who is hired prior to June 1, 2011, shall obtain a food handler card on or before July 1, 2011. Subject to the exceptions described in subdivision (e), a food handler who is hired on or after June 1, 2011, shall obtain a food handler card within 30 days after the date of hire. Each food handler shall maintain a valid...

Looking for San Diego County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Diego city rules.

Public Health Rules in San Diego County