Prepared by GreaseTrapLocator · Fact review: August 16, 2026
Confirm City jurisdiction and the FEWD permit
The City of San Diego's Food Establishment Wastewater Discharge program says all food service establishments within the City must obtain a FEWD permit. The program permits and monitors facilities and reviews plans for new, remodeled, and retrofitted establishments. Its public page says there is no fee for plan review.
This is a City program, not a countywide cleaning rule. A facility outside City limits should identify its city, sewer district, or other wastewater authority before relying on San Diego City guidance.
Let City review determine the equipment
San Diego Municipal Code requires a permit for covered food-preparation facilities that discharge to the public sewer and approved pretreatment where grease may enter the system. FEWD reviews the fixtures, floor plan, underground plumbing, equipment details, and sizing calculations for a new or changed facility.
Do not select a device or claim a universal size from a generic table. Submit the actual project information and follow the permit issued for the facility.
Maintain the device under the permit
The City requires periodic removal and proper disposal of accumulated material. If an interceptor is pumped, FEWD guidance calls for a complete pump-out. A facility may manually remove material where the City's rules and equipment allow it or hire a pumping service; removed material must not be discharged to the sewer or storm drain.
The reviewed City sources do not set one universal 25%, 30-day, or 90-day interval for every facility. Use the FEWD permit, equipment instructions, observed condition, and any City direction to set service. The City says bacterial products do not replace cleaning and enzymes are never allowed.
Keep records and compare service scopes
Keep cleaning records at the facility and make them available for City review. The City rule identifies the cleaning date, method, and the person or company that performed the work. Ask FEWD whether the permit requires additional fields or a particular retention period rather than using a generic manifest rule.
The City does not publish contractor market prices. Compare written quotes for the actual device, access, complete pump-out where required, handling of removed material, service records, exclusions, scheduling, and total price. Do not rely on claims of a County permit, a universal hauler credential, or a guaranteed response time unless the responsible authority or provider confirms it in writing.
A practical facility checklist
- Confirm the address is within the City of San Diego before using FEWD guidance.
- Keep the current FEWD permit and approved project documents.
- Follow the permit and equipment-specific maintenance direction; do not import another city's interval.
- Ensure removed material is not discharged to the sewer or storm drain.
- Keep the cleaning date, method, and cleaning party or company at the facility for City review.
Frequently asked questions
Does every San Diego County restaurant follow the City FEWD program?
No. FEWD applies to food service establishments within the City of San Diego. Facilities elsewhere in the county must confirm the wastewater authority serving the exact address.
Does a City of San Diego food service establishment need a FEWD permit?
Yes. The City's FEWD page says all food service establishments within City limits must obtain a FEWD permit.
How often must a San Diego grease interceptor be pumped?
The reviewed City sources do not give one universal calendar interval for every facility. Follow the FEWD permit, equipment instructions, observed condition, and any City maintenance direction. When an interceptor is pumped, City guidance calls for a complete pump-out.
Can a San Diego facility use enzymes instead of cleaning?
No. City guidance says bacterial products do not replace cleaning and enzymes are never allowed.
Official sources
- City of San Diego — FEWD Program
- City of San Diego — FEWD Frequently Asked Questions
- City of San Diego — Municipal Code Chapter 6, Article 4, Division 7
- City of San Diego — Sewer System Management Plan
Fact-checked August 16, 2026. Local rules, permits, and official guidance can change; confirm the current direction for the service address. General information only, not legal, plumbing, engineering, environmental, health, or safety advice.
Author: Grease Trap Locator Editorial Team
The Grease Trap Locator editorial team covers FOG compliance, grease trap maintenance, and commercial kitchen regulations across the US and Canada. Our guides are written for restaurant owners, facility managers, and food service operators who need practical, accurate information without the fluff.
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