Reduced Fee Incentive Program

• 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

The Reduced Fee Incentive Program is designed to reward food facility operators with a reduction in their permit fee. Facilities in moderate risk and high risk type facilities are eligible. The lower fee is based on a reduction in Environmental Health staff time needed to provide food safety oversight for these facilities.

The maximum number of allowable violations for the Reduced Fee Incentive Program is tiered to provide additional opportunities for larger, more complex food facilities to qualify.

• Moderate risk facilities: A maximum of 5 violations with no major criticals and no more than 1 minor critical violation.
• High risk facilities or moderate risk facilities with multiple units: A maximum of 5 violations with no more than 1 critical, either major or minor.
• High risk facilities with 1 to 2 multiple units: A maximum of 6 violations with no more than 1 major critical or 2 minor criticals.
• High risk facilities with 3 or more multiple units: A maximum of 6 violations with no more than a total of 2 criticals, and no more than one major critical in any single section of the facility.

Additional requirements for all food facilities to qualify for the program:

• Compliance with food safety certification requirements.
• Compliance with potable water requirements for food facilities with private wells.
• Food Facility Permit posted in a conspicuous place.
• A notice advising patrons that the last inspection report is available for review is posted in public view. The most recent inspection report is available for review at the facility.
• No confirmed foodborne illness outbreaks (by CDC standards) at the facility during the previous year.
• The previous years permit was not delinquent and there are no outstanding fees.

Facilities in high and moderate risk categories will be evaluated at the time of their permit renewal for changes in their eligibility. All routine inspections since the last renewal must meet the criteria to qualify for the Reduced Fee Incentive Program. Invoices for permit renewal reflect program eligibility.

If you have any questions about this program, please call (707) 565-6565 and ask to speak with the Environmental Health Specialist for your food facility.