Sacramento County, CA Public Health Rules: Restaurant Grade Cards (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 6.04.021, Sacramento County Code
- Posting location
- Front window, within 5 ft of door
- Enforcer
- County Health Officer
- Penalty
- Violation under § 6.60.020; permit action
Summary
Sacramento County posts a color-coded inspection placard at every food facility after each routine inspection, and removing, hiding, or defacing it is a violation punishable under the county's food facility ordinance.
Upon completion of a routine inspection or reinspection, the Health Officer shall post at every food facility the appropriate placard, as determined by the Health Officer. The placard shall be posted so as to be clearly visible to the general public and patrons of the food facility. ... it is unlawful to operate a food facility without the placard being posted in accordance with this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4941150; v18 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
Under Sacramento County Code § 6.04.021, the Health Officer posts the appropriate placard at every food facility after a routine inspection or reinspection, placed in the front window within five feet of the door (mobile units: within two feet of the service window). The placard cannot be defaced, marred, hidden, or removed, and operating without it posted is unlawful unless the Health Officer has granted an exemption. The county's Official Inspection Report must also be kept on-site for public review.
Violations & Fines
Operating without the posted placard, defacing or hiding it, or posting a placard issued to a different facility is unlawful and punishable under County Code § 6.60.020, plus possible permit suspension or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to post the inspection placard where customers can see it?
What happens if I remove or hide the placard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento County
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