Restaurant Grade Cards: Palo Alto vs San Jose
How do restaurant grade cards rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and San Jose, CA?
Palo Alto and San Jose have similar restriction levels.
Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health inspects every restaurant, market, and mobile food facility countywide and posts a numerical inspection score and report online. Unlike LA, SCC uses risk-based scoring rather than letter grades; sub-standard facilities may face closure.
View full Palo Alto rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
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.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palo Alto | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Santa Clara County DEH | Santa Clara County DEH |
| Standard | California Retail Food Code | California Retail Food Code |
| Display format | Online portal, not letter grade | Online portal, not letter grade |
| Inspection frequency | 1-3 times per year | 1-3 times per year |
| Coverage | All 15 cities plus unincorporated | - |
| City health department | - | None; county handles inspections |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Palo Alto FAQ
Does Santa Clara County post A/B/C grades at restaurants?
No. SCC uses numerical scoring with online publication rather than placarded letter grades. Inspection reports including violations and scores are searchable on the DEH website by restaurant name or address.
Who inspects food trucks and farmers markets?
SCC DEH licenses and inspects mobile food facilities, temporary food events, and certified farmers markets countywide. Operators carry their permit in the unit; inspectors check during routine visits and at major events.
How often does DEH inspect a sit-down restaurant?
At least once per year for low-risk operations and two to three times for high-risk facilities like sushi bars or full-service kitchens. Complaint-driven follow-ups can add unannounced visits at any time.
San Jose FAQ
Does San Jose post A/B/C grades at restaurants?
No. Santa Clara County DEH uses numerical scoring with online publication rather than placarded letter grades. Inspection reports including violations and scores are searchable on the DEH website by restaurant name or address.
Who do I call to report a dirty San Jose restaurant?
Santa Clara County DEH at (408) 918-3400 or through the deh.sccgov.org online complaint form. The City of San Jose does not run a separate health hotline because all retail food oversight is delegated to the county.
Are food trucks and farmers markets inspected too?
Yes. SCC DEH licenses and inspects mobile food facilities, temporary food events, and certified farmers markets across San Jose. Operators must carry their permit in the unit and pass routine and event-based inspections by county staff.
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