Lake Elsinore, CA Public Health Rules: Restaurant Grade Cards (2026)

Chapter 8.64 REGULATION OF FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS AND FOOD FACILITIES puts the city's letter-grade placard system in Section 8.64.020. Every food establishment and food facility, defined by reference to the California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law at Health and Safety Code Sections 27520 through 27522, must be inspected and graded using an official inspection form and score sheet from the Enforcement Officer, meaning the Director of the Department of Environmental Health Services or an authorized specialist. A score of 90 percent or higher earns a blue "A" card printed on high-impact white styrene plastic; 80 to 89 percent earns a green "B" card; and below 80 percent earns a red "C" card, which signals the facility may pose an actual or potential threat to public health and can lead to the Enforcement Officer suspending or revoking its permit and ordering it closed.

The nine-by-11-inch card, with a grade letter no taller than five inches, must be posted where the Enforcement Officer directs near a patron entrance and can be removed only by that officer. Private and public schools, and food facilities that do no food preparation, are exempt from posting. Under Section 8.64.030, a "B" or "C" grade triggers a reinspection within five working days, and if the score still falls short of 90 percent, the city may pursue a license suspension hearing, issue a citation, or start civil or criminal proceedings.