San Francisco Grease Trap Violations: What Inspectors Check

What Triggers Grease Trap Violations in SF Inspections

San Francisco's Health Code Article 81 requires food service facilities to maintain grease traps or interceptors in working condition. Inspectors look for visible grease accumulation exceeding regulatory limits, evidence of improper disposal (grease buildup on floors or in drains), missing or damaged trap lids, and lack of maintenance records. The trap must be sized appropriately for your facility's flow rate—undersized traps are cited as violations. Common trigger points include grease-saturated soil around trap access points, backup into the kitchen, and odor complaints from municipal services.

SF Health Code Requirements and Maintenance Standards

Food establishments must maintain grease traps with a minimum 100-pound capacity unless the health department approves smaller sizes for low-volume operations. SF Municipal Code §41.13 mandates pumping schedules based on trap usage and capacity—typically every 30–90 days for active kitchens. You must retain pump-out records for at least two years and provide documentation to inspectors on request. Facilities must also prevent grease discharge to the sewer system; traps must remain accessible, properly vented, and constructed from approved materials per plumbing code. Failure to maintain these standards results in health code violations, not just plumbing deficiencies.

Penalties, Fines, and Enforcement Actions

Initial grease trap violations in SF typically result in conditional operating permits with mandatory correction timelines (usually 7–30 days). Re-inspection fees apply if violations aren't resolved. Repeated violations or hazardous conditions (such as grease backing into food prep areas) can lead to fines ranging from $100–$1,000+ and potential closure orders. The SF Department of Public Health also coordinates with the Environmental Protection Agency; severe or chronic grease discharge violations can trigger sewer overflow fines and mandatory system upgrades at significant cost. Establishing a documented maintenance schedule and using licensed trap servicing companies protects against escalating penalties.

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