Santa Clara County, CA Public Health Rules: Restaurant Grade Cards (2026)
Key Facts
- Posting location
- Within 5 feet of front door
- Issued by
- County Environmental Health Director
- Companion notice
- State SB 180 notice also required
- Citation
- Sec. B11-55
Summary
Unincorporated Santa Clara County requires every inspected food facility to post the Director's inspection placard within five feet of the front door, clearly visible to the public and patrons.
Upon completion of a routine inspection or re-inspection of food facility categories required by the Director to be placarded, the Director shall post at every food facility the appropriate placard, as determined by the Director. The placard shall be posted so as to be clearly visible to the general public and to patrons entering the food facility.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Under Santa Clara County Ordinance Code § B11-55, the County Environmental Health Director posts an inspection placard at every food facility category subject to placarding after a routine inspection or re-inspection in unincorporated Santa Clara County. The placard must be posted in the front window or an outside display case within five feet of the front door, or another Director-approved location clearly visible to the public and patrons. It cannot be defaced, hidden, obstructed, or removed, and operating without it posted is unlawful. Facilities must also post the state SB 180 notice under Health & Safety Code § 113725.1 alongside the placard, and keep the official inspection report until the next routine inspection.
Violations & Fines
Removing, hiding, or defacing the posted placard, or operating a food facility without it displayed, is a Chapter violation that can trigger permit suspension, revocation, and daily re-inspection fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does unincorporated Santa Clara County use letter grades like some cities?
What happens if a restaurant removes its placard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California public health rules overview
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