Register to apply pesticides for agricultural or structural pest control

Register to apply pesticides as a pest control operator, pest control advisor, or maintenance gardener in San Francisco. If you need a list of currently registered entities contact: phil.calhoun@sfdph.org

What to do

If you suspect a pesticide emergency, call 911.

If you suspect you have been exposed to pesticides and your situation is not a life-threatening emergency, contact 311 immediately.

1. Get the correct State license or certificate

Make sure you have a State certificate or license before you register with the City:

2. Complete an application

Download and fill out the right form for your work:

3. Gather additional documents

Some registrations require additional documents. Your requirements will depend on whether your business is located in the county of San Francisco or in another county.

If your business is located in San Francisco

Agricultural Pest Control Operators must include:

  • Pest Control Operator (PCO) Business License
  • Qualified Applicator License (QAL)
  • Equipment list

Maintenance Gardeners must include:

  • Pest Control Operator (PCO) Maintenance Gardener Business License
  • Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) or Qualified Applicator License (QAL)
  • Equipment list

Pest Control Advisors must include:

  • PCA License

If your business is located outside of San Francisco

Agricultural Pest Control Operators must include:

  • Pest Control Operator (PCO) Business License
  • Pest Control Operator (PCO) registration from the county your business is headquartered in
  • Equipment list
  • Most recent home county Headquarter Employee Safety Records Inspection

Maintenance Gardeners must include:

  • Pest Control Operator (PCO) Maintenance Gardner Business License
  • Pest Control Operator Maintenance Gardener (PCO MG) registration from the county your business is headquartered in
  • Equipment list
  • Most recent Headquarter Employee Safety Records Inspection from the county your business is headquartered in

Pest Control Advisors must include:

  • Pest Control Advisor (PCA) registration from the county your business is headquartered in

4. Pay the fee

Check the fee schedule for the exact amount. Write a check or money order to: "San Francisco Department of Public Health."

5. Mail your application materials

Department of Public Health

Environmental Health Branch
Pesticide Use Enforcement Office
49 South Van Ness Ave.
Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94103

Next steps

If you are an Agricultural or Structural Pest Control Operator you must submit Pesticide Use Reports (PURs). PURs are due on the 10th day of the month after you submit your application. 

Submit the form online or mail the appropriate form to:

Environmental Health Branch
Pesticide Use Enforcement Office
49 South Van Ness Ave.
Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94103

Learn more about the PUR requirement in the California Code of Regulations 3CCR §6626 and 3CCR §6627.

Special cases

If you want to apply pesticides on your own property to produce an agricultural commodity for sale

If you want to apply pesticides on your own property to produce an agricultural commodity for sale

You will need an operator identification number or a restricted materials permit.

Email phil.calhoun@sfdph.org and include a copy of the label of the pesticide you need to use. 

Review the list of restricted materials.

Get help

Phone

Phil Calhoun

Pesticide Use Enforcement Program

Fax

Last updated April 16, 2024

Departments

Environmental Health
Department of Public Health