Start with the county’s ownership questionnaire
San Diego County’s Department of Environmental Health and Quality publishes a food facility Change of Ownership Questionnaire. The current publications page identifies an update in January 2026.
The questionnaire helps the county understand the proposed operation. A purchase agreement alone does not settle the new owner’s food operating permission.
Describe the buyer’s intended operation
Be clear about the facility, proposed menu, equipment and any construction or operational changes. Ask DEHQ which review and application steps fit the actual plan.
A buyer keeping the current menu may present different questions from a buyer changing the operation. Avoid promising that an existing setup needs no further review.
Prepare the handoff of facility records
Gather current permit information and available plans, equipment records and agency correspondence. Ask which documents the county wants from the seller and the applicant.
Keep responsibility for correction work clear in the purchase agreement. A buyer discovering unresolved facility issues can change the economics of an agreed price.
Track food, tax and alcohol matters separately
County health permitting does not replace a city business certificate or a state tax account. An alcohol license, where applicable, involves California ABC.
Your attorney and escrow officer should assign each approval to a named party. Use a closing checklist that records the submission, response and remaining condition for each agency.
Confirm the plan for your transaction
This food facility ownership review guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Ask your CPA or attorney to confirm the current agency requirements for your actual sale.
Include food facility ownership review in your agency task list. Keep the related figures consistent with the earnings file used to discuss value.
- Request California Tax Clearance Before Releasing Sale Proceeds
- Close Your California Seller Permit After Selling
The food facility ownership review process is separate from requesting a business valuation. Keep sensitive agency records out of the initial request form.