What to do
1. Find out if you need to apply
You need to apply for a permit if your business handles certain amounts of hazardous materials (or mixes). Apply if you:
- Handle, sell, store, or use more than:
- 55 gallons of liquids
- 500 pounds of solids
- 200 cubic feet of compressed gases
- Operate a laboratory storing more than:
- 100 milliliters (0.025 gallons)
- 25 grams (0.06 pounds)
- 10 cubic feet
- Handle radioactive material where you need an emergency plan
2. Contact us
If you're opening a business that will store, handle, or use hazardous materials contact us by:
If you are familiar with this process, you do not need to contact us. You just need to register your business below.
3. Register online
Go to the California Environmental Reporting System to get the process started. Follow the prompts to:
- Login or set up a profile
- Add or update information related to hazardous materials at your business
- Fill out required documents and information:
- Business Owner Operator Identification Form (BOOIF)
- Business Activities Declaration Form (BADF)
- HMUPA annual certification form
- Maps
- Emergency Response/contingency plan
- Hazardous Materials Inventory
- Hazardous Waste Inventory
- Training plan
- Hazardous Materials Reduction plan
4. Pay the fee
Write a check, cashier’s check, or money order to “San Francisco Department of Public Health”. Check the fee schedule for the exact amount. Mail the fee to:
Environmental Health
Attention: Hazardous Materials and Waste49 South Van Ness Avenue
Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94103
5. Get an inspection
We will review your application information and reach out to schedule an on-site inspection.
Renew every year
You'll get a renewal packet 45 days before your permit expires. Check that the information is correct and make any changes. You'll pay a fee as noted. If your business has changed, let us know below.
Special cases
If you no longer store or use hazardous materials
If you no longer store or use hazardous materials
If your business has changed and you think you no longer store or use hazardous materials, fill out the:
Hazardous Materials Disclaimer Form
Return it to:
San Francisco Department of Public Health
Environmental Health Branch
Attention: Hazardous Materials and Waste
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94103
We will review your form and an inspector will visit your business to verify the information.
If you store large amounts of specific substances
If you store large amounts of specific substances
You might have to meet additional requirements for the California Accidental Release Prevention (CalARP) program. View the list of regulated substances and threshold quantities in the California code. We'll let you know if this applies to you when you register your business.
Make and follow a risk management plan
We'll work with you on other requirements before you put a risk management plan into place.
Plan ahead by considering how you will:
- handle safety
- check for hazards
- run your operations
- train staff
- keep up maintenance
- audit for compliance
- look into accidents
Consider how close you are to schools, homes, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and childcare centers.
Keep in mind, too, how natural disasters might affect you.
Get help
Phone
Last updated April 16, 2024