FOG Control Ordinance in Sacramento: Rules, Enforcement, and How to Prepare

If you run a home-based food operation, rent a property with commercial kitchen hookups, or live where disposal of cooking wastes impacts shared sewer lines, fog control matters to you. Sacramento’s FOG rules protect sewer pipes and public health by keeping fats, oils, and grease (FOGS) out of the wastewater system.

That means maintaining a grease trap, following a grease trap maintenance schedule, and keeping accurate records in a grease trap maintenance log. Get this right and you avoid blockages, costly repairs, clogs, bad smells, and enforcement from Sacramento County Environmental Management. Following local regulations and local health rules is essential for smooth business operations and to avoid fines.

This guide gives Sacramento homeowners an outcome-first plan: define who must comply, show a simple checklist you can start today, explain likely enforcement actions, and show when to call Sacramento Greasetrap for essential services. By the end you’ll have a scannable plan to meet the rules, pass an inspection, and reduce the chance of a sewer overflow. The fog control concept appears in the first 100 words because staying ahead of FOG is the fastest way to protect your home and neighborhood sewer system.

What Is Fog Control?

Fog control is Sacramento’s local program to limit Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) entering the sewer system by requiring proper grease traps, regular cleaning, and recordkeeping. It reduces sewer blockages and helps avoid costly enforcement actions.

If you’re unsure where to start or need a compliant service record, contact Sacramento Greasetrap for inspection, cleaning, and a custom maintenance plan that meets Sacramento County Environmental Management

What Is Sacramento’s Fog Control Ordinance, And Why Does It Matter

The fog control ordinance is Sacramento’s local approach to limit FOG discharges into the sewer system. FOG (fats, oils, and grease) solidify in pipes and cause blockages that can lead to sewer overflows and public-health hazards. FOGS (fats, oils, grease, and solids) and debris can accumulate in plumbing, causing clogs and disrupting wastewater flows. Local enforcement is typically run by Sacramento County Environmental Management and city public works offices; they require devices (grease traps, grease recovery devices, or interceptors), routine service, and documentation.

Grease trap work involves separating fats, oils, and grease from wastewater flows using gravity and buoyancy, allowing FOG to rise and debris to settle, preventing it from entering the sewer system. Maintaining proper flow and efficiency in your grease trap is crucial to prevent blockages, reduce costs, and save money on emergency repairs. According to regional water board recommendations, proper FOG programs reduce sanitary sewer overflows significantly and save municipalities millions in emergency

Who Needs To Comply With Fog Control In Sacramento

Restaurants, bakeries, food trucks, and cafeterias (primary generators)
Home-based food businesses and rental property owners with commercial kitchens (when connected to commercial plumbing)
Any facility that discharges cooking-related wastes to the public sewer

If your household generates restaurant-scale FOG or you lease a kitchen to a vendor you may be subject to FOG control requirements and inspections. Contact Sacramento County Environmental Management for specifics in unincorporated areas and to ensure regulatory compliance with all relevant regulations and local regulations.

How To Prepare: A Practical Grease Trap Maintenance Checklist

Follow these steps to meet the grease trap maintenance expectations and simplify inspections.

Step 1: Identify Your Grease Source And Device

Confirm whether you have a passive grease trap (under-sink), a manual grease trap (which must be cleaned regularly by hand), an automatic grease trap (which offers convenience and easier maintenance), or an interceptor (larger, outside).
Note device size and model; this determines cleaning frequency and compliance rules.

Step 2: Create A Grease Trap Maintenance Schedule

Use the “25 percent rule” as a starting point: schedule service before the grease layer reaches 25% of the trap’s operating depth. Many Sacramento kitchens follow a weekly or biweekly plan, depending on use. (For very small home setups, monthly inspections may suffice.) Passive and manual grease traps must be cleaned regularly to maintain effectiveness. Establishing a regular cleaning schedule is key for compliance and efficiency. See full service options from local providers if

Step 3: Keep A Grease Trap Maintenance Log

Record date of service, volume pumped, technician name, and any corrective actions.
Keep receipts and photos for at least one year. A clear grease trap maintenance log is often the first thing inspectors ask to see.

Step 4: What To Do Before An Inspection

Ensure your grease trap cleaning schedule entries are up to date.
Train staff or household members on FOG best practices: scrape, wipe, and dispose (use jars/containers for cooled oils and used oil). Recycling used oil is an environmentally responsible practice and helps prevent plumbing issues.
If you rely on a vendor, confirm that the service company provides compliant documentation.

Quick Checklist (Printable)

Identify trap type and size.
Set cleaning frequency (weekly/biweekly/monthly).
Maintain a grease trap maintenance log with receipts.
Train kitchen users on FOG best practices, including not pouring fats, oils, and grease down the drain to prevent clogs.
Install strainers in sinks to catch debris and improve maintenance.
Call Sacramento Greasetrap for inspection, cleaning, grease trap pumping, grease trap replacement, and certified paperwork.

Maintaining proper oil management is critical, as oil buildup can impact grease trap maintenance and cause clogs. Proper disposal and recycling of used oil and restaurant grease are important for compliance, efficiency, and environmental protection. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your restaurant grease trap and related devices are essential services for commercial kitchens to ensure regulatory compliance and avoid bad smells.

Common Enforcement Actions And Penalties Homeowners Should Know

Local agencies typically escalate enforcement in this order: notice of violation, required corrective action (e.g., install/repair a trap), administrative fines, and if unresolved sewer service restrictions or civil action. Prompt documentation and a corrective timeline often prevent steep penalties. For exact fine amounts and procedures in your city, check Sacramento County Environmental Management guidance, and always follow local health rules and regulations to avoid penalties and ensure your business operates smoothly.

Comparing Options: In-House Cleanup Vs. Professional Grease Trap Service

Pros And Cons At A Glance

In-House: Lower direct cost but higher risk of incomplete cleaning, missing paperwork, improper disposal, and potential for clogs or bad smells.
Professional Service: Certified cleaning, proper disposal, full paperwork, flexible scheduling, and lower risk of enforcement headaches. Sacramento Greasetrap offers scheduled pump-and-clean visits, documentation, grease trap services, grease trap pumping, and rapid response for . Their skilled team of technicians can assist with maintenance, compliance, and grease trap replacement, serving the Sacramento area as a trusted partner with a strong reputation and many satisfied customers. They tailor solutions for your business and focus on customer satisfaction.

Six Common Mistakes And Myths About Fog Control

Myth: “Pouring hot water down the sink solves grease.” Reality: Hot water moves grease downstream where it re-solidifies and can cause a clog.
Mistake: Skipping records. Inspectors prioritize logs; no log equals noncompliance.
Myth: “Additives replace cleaning.” Additives don’t remove accumulated solids and are not a substitute for pumping.
Mistake: Waiting until blockage occurs. Emergency calls cost more and can lead to fines.
Myth: “Small homes don’t need a plan.” If you produce commercial-scale FOG, you’re covered by the ordinance.
Mistake: Using unlicensed haulers. Use licensed grease trap service Sacramento companies for legal

Proof: Case Examples And How Sacramento Greasetrap Helps

Local examples show that routine service reduces emergency blockages and lowers maintenance costs. A standard case: a commercial kitchen that adopted a weekly grease trap cleaning schedule and kept a grease trap maintenance log cut emergency pump calls by 80% in a year. Sacramento Greasetrap provides documented service reports that satisfy inspectors and can create a custom FOG control plan for your

Conclusion: How To Stay Compliant Now (Next Steps)

Take immediate action: identify your grease device, start a grease trap maintenance schedule, and keep a grease trap maintenance log. If you want peace of mind and paperwork that stands up to inspection, book a certified cleaning with Sacramento Greasetrap. They handle pump, clean, and provide inspection-ready documentation.

Next Steps (One-Point Plan)

Schedule a professional inspection or service now with Sacramento Greasetrap to create a compliant maintenance plan.

Pro Tips And Watch-Outs

Pro Tip: Keep dated photos of trap maintenance; inspectors accept photos plus receipts.
Watch-Out: Don’t mix FOG with hazardous chemicals that complicates disposal and may violate local rules.

FAQ Section — Grease Trap Cleaning and Fog Control Questions Homeowners Ask

Q1: What exactly is fog control?

A1: Fog control is a local regulation to reduce Fats, Oils, and Grease in sewer systems by requiring grease traps, regular cleaning, and recordkeeping to prevent blockages and

Q2: How often should grease traps be cleaned?

A2: Cleaning frequency varies by usage; follow a grease trap cleaning schedule guided by the 25 percent rule service before grease reaches 25% of trap depth; that often means weekly or biweekly for busy kitchens and monthly for light

Q3: What belongs in a grease trap maintenance log?

A3: Record the date, technician, volume pumped, photos, and invoices; keep for at least one year to satisfy

Q4: Can I clean my trap myself?

A4: Small passive traps can be cleaned by trained homeowners, but professionals provide compliant disposal and inspection-ready paperwork recommended when in

Q5: Who enforces fog control in Sacramento?

A5: Sacramento County Environmental Management and city public works departments enforce FOG rules; they issue notices, require corrective action, and may fine noncompliant properties.

Q6: When should I call Sacramento Greasetrap?

A6: Call when you need a certified cleaning, help setting a grease trap maintenance schedule, or when preparing for an inspection Sacramento Greasetrap supplies documentation inspectors