Public Health Rules in Alameda County, CA (2026)

4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 6 cities in Alameda County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Alameda County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Restaurant Grade Cards

Alameda County's Department of Environmental Health scores unincorporated-area food facilities and posts a green, yellow, or red placard after each inspection.

Restaurant Grading in Alameda County

Some Restrictions

Alameda County Code § 6.68.060

A. The placard grading system consists of green, yellow and red placards for inspection and scoring of food facilities. B. The health inspector shall order immediate closure of the food facility upon issuance of a red placard. The health permit issued to the food facility shall be suspended and the red placard, which is a notice of closure, shall be posted until the health permit is reinstated.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Rodent Control

Pest control in Alameda County is regulated by CA DPR and county Environmental Health. Landlords must provide pest-free housing under Civil Code 1941.1 and SB 655.

Pest Control Rules in Alameda County

Few Restrictions

California Civil Code § 1941.1(a)(6)–(7)

(a) A dwelling shall be deemed untenantable for purposes of Section 1941 if it substantially lacks any of the following affirmative standard characteristics or is a residential unit described in Section 17920.3 or 17920.10 of the Health and Safety Code: ... (6) Building, grounds, and appurtenances at the time of the commencement of the lease or rental agreement, and all areas under control of t...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Syringe Disposal

Chapter 6.54 makes pharmaceutical manufacturers fund a take-back program for used needles, syringes, and lancets across all of Alameda County, incorporated cities included, so residents have a lawful sharps container or drop-off site instead of the trash.

Sharps Disposal Rules in Alameda County

Some Restrictions

Alameda County Code § 6.54.020

This chapter may be cited as the "Alameda County Safe Consumer-Generated Sharps Disposal Ordinance." This chapter shall apply to all of Alameda County including unincorporated areas, except for those charter cities where the city council has authorized its own local health officer or environmental health director to administer and enforce the provisions of California Health and Safety Code Sect...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Food Handler Certification

Alameda County health inspectors can order food facility workers to attend a food safety class after repeated violations or if staff lack basic food-safety knowledge.

Food Safety Education in Alameda County

Light Restrictions

Alameda County Code § 6.68.100

The health inspector may require anyone associated with the food facility to attend a food safety education class, including if health inspector determines either of the following: A. There have been repeated major violations (CDC risk factor violations) that affect food safety; or B. Any food handler or food employee does not have sufficient knowledge and understanding of how to safely prepare...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗