Berkeley vs Oakland
How do restaurant grade cards rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Oakland, CA?
Berkeley and Oakland have similar restriction levels.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Alameda County Environmental Health inspects Berkeley restaurants under the California Retail Food Code, posts pass or conditional-pass placards, and publishes detailed inspection scores online for public review before dining.
View full Berkeley rules →Oakland, CA
Alameda County
Alameda County Environmental Health inspects Oakland restaurants and posts pass, conditional pass, or closed placards visibly at the entrance after each routine inspection.
View full Oakland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Inspector | Alameda County Environmental Health | - |
| System | Pass, conditional, closed placards | - |
| Frequency | 1 to 2 routine inspections yearly | - |
| State code | California Retail Food Code | - |
| Regulator | - | Alameda County Env. Health |
| Code basis | - | CalCode (Health & Safety 113700) |
| Placards | - | Pass, conditional, closed |
| Posting | - | At public entrance |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Where do I see Berkeley inspection scores?
Alameda County Environmental Health publishes searchable inspection reports at acgov.org. Each report lists violations, severity, and the corrective actions the operator must complete.
Does Berkeley use letter grades?
No. Berkeley follows Alameda County's placard system, not Los Angeles-style A, B, C letter grades. The placard distinguishes pass, conditional pass, and closure status.
Oakland FAQ
Where do I find a restaurant's inspection report?
Search the Alameda County Environmental Health food facility lookup at acgov.org for the address; reports list violations and any reinspection results.
Can I operate after a red closed placard?
No. Service must stop until the violations causing the closure are corrected and a reinspection clears the facility for reopening.
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