FOG Limits by Jurisdiction
April 17, 2025
How do I know if my restaurant is FOG Compliant?
Know Your County’s Grease Trap Requirements – Bay Area, California
If you operate a commercial kitchen in the Greater Bay Area, staying compliant with your local FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) regulations isn’t just best practice—it’s the law. Health departments across counties set strict limits on how much grease and solids can accumulate in your trap or interceptor before it must be cleaned.
At North Bay Restaurant Services, we take the guesswork out of compliance. Here’s how we help you stay ahead—and what the FOG limits look like in your area.
✅ How We Help You Stay in Compliance
Every time we clean a grease trap or interceptor, we:
- Measure grease and liquid levels on-site and provide a full FOG Report
- Document before & after photos for complete transparency
- Monitor compliance with your jurisdiction’s specific FOG thresholds
- Proactively notify you if you’re nearing or exceeding limits—so you’re never caught off guard by a health inspector
- Offer competitive pricing with professional, consistent service tailored to your kitchen’s needs
By keeping your compliance data on file and tracking performance over time, we help our clients avoid citations, closures, and unnecessary stress.
📊 FOG Compliance Requirements by County
Here’s a breakdown of maximum allowable grease/solid accumulation by jurisdiction, including special notes for larger in-ground interceptors:
| County | Grease Trap Limit | Grease Interceptor Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Sonoma County | Max 3 inches of grease/solids | Max 12″ in inlet chamber, 6″ in outlet chamber |
| Napa County | Max 3 inches of grease/solids | Same as traps (3″) unless specified by local agency |
| Marin County | Max 20% grease/solids | Same as traps unless otherwise specified |
| Alameda County | Max 20% grease/solids | Same 20% rule applies |
| Solano County | Max 25% grease/solids | Same 25% rule applies |
| Contra Costa County | Max 25% grease/solids | Same 25% rule applies |
| San Francisco County | Max 20% grease/solids | Same 20% rule applies |
| City of Healdsburg | Max 25% grease/solids | Same 25% rule applies |
💡 Not sure what’s allowed in your city? Reach out here and our team will walk you through the exact requirements and provide a quote for ongoing grease trap cleaning service.
📌 Why This Matters
When your grease trap exceeds local FOG limits, you’re not just risking fines—you could face serious plumbing backups, odors, or even emergency closures. With North Bay Restaurant Services, you get peace of mind knowing that:
- Your grease trap is cleaned on time and according to regulation
- You’re backed by clear documentation and photo evidence
- You’re partnered with a team that’s here to keep you ahead—not just clean up after problems
Ready for Worry-Free Compliance?
Join thousands of restaurants, cafes, hospitals, senior living facilities, schools, and catering businesses across the Bay Area who trust us to keep them compliant, clean, and in control.
📲 Click here to get a quote or chat with our team now
Let’s make FOG compliance the easiest thing you check off your to-do list.
Written by Brittney Bailey
Director, North Bay Restaurant Services
Since 2016, Brittney has led the administrative and customer service operations at North Bay Restaurant Services, supporting thousands of commercial kitchens across the Bay Area. She specializes in coordinating service for high-volume restaurants, hotels, and fine dining establishments—where timing, cleanliness, and compliance are non-negotiable. Brittney prides herself on delivering concierge-level customer service in an industry not known for it, bringing Michelin-level attention and professionalism to every account.
