BENICIA CITY

Need a Food Facility Plan for Your SOLANO County Permit?

Benicia City Guide

Navigating the health permit process in Solano County can feel overwhelming for new and existing restaurant owners, but understanding the local requirements is the first step toward a smooth opening or renewal.

Solano County’s Environmental Management Department oversees food facility permits, requiring approved plans, kitchen inspections, and compliance with health and safety codes before a restaurant can legally operate. This guide walks business owners through the essential steps — from submitting facility plans and scheduling inspections to understanding permit fees and renewal timelines — so they can move through the approval process with confidence rather than confusion.

Because requirements can vary slightly by county, this guide is designed to give Solano-area restaurant owners a clear, practical starting point before diving into county-specific forms and procedures.

 

Choose your project location:

What to Confirm Before Design is Finalized

Building jurisdiction and project address

Health Department plan-review requirements

Wastewater provider and service boundary

Grease-interceptor sizing and approval

Plumbing, hood and equipment specifications

Planning, fire and accessibility requirements

City of Benicia Building Safety Division

Why this agency is necessary?Coordinates review of building projects, oversees inspections, and issues building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits. All plan review submittals and permit applications go through the City’s online Permit Center, and paper plans are no longer accepted. Plans and permits must follow the 2025 California Building Standards Codes. Walk-ins aren’t available, but appointments run 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., in person or virtual, for building code, permitting, planning, and zoning questions. Payments can be made by credit card online or by check in the 24/7 drop box at the rear of City Hall.
 

Address: 555 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo, CA 94590

Solano County Environmental Health

Why this agency is necessary? The county health department enforces the California Retail Food Code, permits and inspects food facilities, and handles plan review for new and remodeled restaurants. The Environmental Health Division is part of the Department of Resource Management at 675 Texas Street, Fairfield.

 

Wastewater / Sanitary Authority

Why this agency is necessary? Establishes grease-interceptor regulations, sizing, location, sewer connection, approval, and maintenance requirements for the specific property. In Benicia, the City handles both the sewer connection and the grease requirements, so there’s one call to make.