Catering in Sonoma County

• Catering in Sonoma County
• Food Facility Construction
• Food Handler Safety Certification Classes
• Mobile Food Facilities
• Reduced Fee Incentive Program
• Temporary Food Facilities (Food Booths)
• Wine Tasting Room Exemption

What do I need to operate as a caterer in Sonoma County?

• A commercial food facility.
• A Certified Food Handler certificate.
• Adequate equipment to safely handle food.
• A Retail Food Facility Permit (pdf).

What is a commercial food facility?

It's a kitchen as well as a place where perishables, nonperishables and equipment can be received and stored and where food is prepared and kept at the proper hot, cold or frozen temperatures until ready for use. There should be adequate room to store food and equipment. If you share a facility with another food business, each business should have adequate room to store food and equipment.

The facility is separate from your residence kitchen.

What food safety and sanitation basics do I need to know?

Proper food temperatures.

Personal hygiene.

Proper cooling methods.

Prevention of cross-contamination.

Where do I get information on food safety and sanitation?

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services (707) 565-6565.

The Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association, 1-800-809-6032, ext. 150.

Santa Rosa Junior College Culinary Arts Program.

Your local library.

What commercial equipment do I need?

Refrigeration for cooling potentially hazardous foods from 140° F to 41° F within four hours.

Refrigeration for cold holding potentially hazardous foods at 41° F or below.

Cooking equipment available to prepare a given number of meals.

Hot holding equipment for holding potentially hazardous foods at 140° F or above (examples: steam tables, propane burners, Alto-Shaam ovens).

Hot holding units for the safe transport of potentially hazardous foods at 140° F or above (examples: Cambros, thermal containers).

Cold holding units for the safe transport of potentially hazardous foods at 41° F or below (examples: ice chests, refrigerators, Cambros, thermal containers).

Accurate thermometers to evaluate temperature of potentially hazardous foods.

Hand-washing sinks available with soap, paper towels and hot- and cold-running water delivered through a mixing faucet.

Necessary sinks for food preparation and dishwashing.

What is a Retail Food Facility Permit and how do I obtain the permit?

It is an acknowledgment from the Department of Health Services that the applicant's food facility is permitted to prepare food and that the procedures and equipment necessary to transport the food meet the requirements of the department.

Possession of the permit indicates that the applicant has been made aware of the requirements for compliance of food safety and sanitation regulations. It is your responsibility to know the principles of food safety and sanitation. The permit fee (pdf) is based on the appropriate food facility category. It is valid for twelve months and must be renewed on your anniversary date each year.

You can obtain a catering permit from Sonoma County Department of Health Services. You may call (707) 565-6565 to make an appointment or to discuss your plans.

Now that I have my commercial food facility and equipment and know food safety and sanitation basics, what are some other agencies I need to contact?

Specific regulations regarding the operation and licensing of catering businesses are governed by the city, county and state in which you will do business. Additionally, there are various state and federal requirements for employment taxes.

While this department cannot advise you regarding specific business requirements, you can contact the following agencies regarding the operation and licensing of your business:

• Your local municipality regarding permits and licenses for business, zoning, fire department, signage and taxes.
• The local business offices for the State of California and the Internal Revenue Service regarding fictitious business name, employment and tax requirements.
• Your insurance broker regarding workers' compensation, business liability and other insurances, some of which are required by law.
• You may also contact your local Chamber of Commerce or the Small Business Administration for information regarding the operation and licensing requirements of your business.