Public Health Rules in San Jose, CA (2026)
7 verified public health rules for San Jose, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Restaurant Grade Cards
San Jose has no city health department, so Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health inspects every restaurant, market, and mobile food unit in the city. SCC uses online numerical scoring rather than letter-grade placards, with reports searchable on the DEH portal.
Restaurant Inspections in San Jose Run by Santa Clara County DEH
Some RestrictionsRodent Control
San Jose Municipal Code Title 8 lets the city abate rodent harborage as a public nuisance, while Santa Clara County Vector Control District handles outdoor surveillance and resident complaints. California AB-1788 bans second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides for non-licensed users to protect raptors and bobcats.
San Jose Rodent Control Splits Between Code Enforcement and SCVMD
Some RestrictionsBed-Bug Rules
California Civil Code §1954.603 requires every San Jose landlord to give tenants a written bed-bug information notice and disclose known infestations before signing a lease. SJ Code Enforcement and SCC DEH handle complaints; treatment cost typically falls on the landlord under habitability law.
California Bed Bug Disclosure Required for San Jose Landlords
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code § 1954.603
(a) General information about bed bug identification, behavior and biology, the importance of cooperation for prevention and treatment, and the importance of and for prompt written reporting of suspected infestations to the landlord. The information shall be in substantially the following form:
Syringe Disposal
California Health and Safety Code §118286 bans home-generated sharps from trash and recycling. Santa Clara County Public Health and the SCC S.A.F.E. (Sharps Assistance For Everyone) Centers distribute free containers and operate drop-off sites across San Jose. Mail-back kits are also available.
S.A.F.E. Centers Provide Free Sharps Disposal Across San Jose
Heavy RestrictionsHealthy Food Retail
San Jose has no standalone healthy food retail ordinance. Santa Clara County Public Health Department's Healthy Stores and food-access programs operate citywide alongside California's Nutrition Incentive Program and CalFresh Healthy Living to expand fresh food in underserved neighborhoods.
Healthy Food Retail Programs Serving San Jose
Few RestrictionsCalorie Labeling
Calorie labeling on San Jose menus is governed by federal FDA rules at 21 CFR §101.11, which require chains with 20 or more locations to post calorie counts. Santa Clara County DEH inspectors check compliance during routine retail food inspections. California AB-1100 adds beverage warnings.
Federal FDA Calorie Labeling Enforced in San Jose by SCC DEH
Some Restrictions21 CFR § 101.11 — Nutrition labeling of standard menu items in covered establishments
Covered establishment means a restaurant or similar retail food establishment that is a part of a chain with 20 or more locations doing business under the same name (regardless of the type of ownership, e.g., individual franchises) and offering for sale substantially the same menu items, as well as a restaurant or similar retail food establishment that is registered to be covered under paragrap...
Food Handler Certification
Under California Health and Safety Code §113948, every food handler in San Jose must obtain an ANSI-accredited food handler card within 30 days of hire. Cards are valid for three years. Santa Clara County DEH inspectors verify compliance during routine retail food inspections.
California Food Handler Card Required Within 30 Days in San Jose
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code § 113948(a)
(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 Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Jose city rules.
Public Health Rules in Santa Clara County →