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:
- Get an Agricultural Pest Control license or certificate from the California Department of Pesticide Registration
- Get a Structural Pest Control license
2. Complete an application
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 BranchPesticide 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.
Get help
Phone
Fax
Last updated October 1, 2024