Opening a Certified Farmers' Market in an Unincorporated Area

Step 1 – Agriculture, Weights & Measures (AWM)

To open a Certified Farmers’ Market (CFM), applicants must obtain a CFM certificate from the County Department of Agriculture, Weights & Measures (AWM). Qualified applicants must be a certified producer, a nonprofit organization, or a local government agency. AWM will verify that the applicant meets the requirements of Steps 2-5 before issuing the CFM certificate. *Fee Required*

For questions, please call ( 858) 614-7786, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Step 2 – Planning & Development Services (PDS)

CFMs in the unincorporated areas of the county must be approved by the County Department of Planning & Development Services (PDS). CFMs must comply with all applicable local zoning requirements. Limitations may include, but are not limited to, allowed zones, number of days and hours of operation, parking requirements, etc. For approval of your market location, please contact PDS at Dag.Bunnemeyer@sdcounty.ca.gov

For questions, please call 858-565-5981 between 8-11:45 a.m., M-F.

Planning and Development Services

Step 3 – Department of Environmental Health & Quality (DEHQ)

CFMs must obtain an organizer permit from the County Department of Environmental Health, Food and Housing Division.  All food vendors participating in the market must have a temporary food facility permit. *Fee Required*

For questions, please call (858) 505-6900 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., M-F.

Temporary Events website

Step 4 – Sheriff’s Department

In the unincorporated areas of the county, CFM organizers are responsible for obtaining a single Solicitor’s License from the County Sheriff’s Department.  The Solicitor’s License will cover all the non-certified vendors that intend to sell their products at the market. *Fee Required*

For questions, please call (858) 974-2106, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., M-F.
Sheriff's Licensing
Download application

Step 5 – Department of Public Works (DPW)

(If CFM is proposed in or may impact a County-maintained road)

CFMs proposed to operate within or may impact a County-maintained road must obtain a Special Event Permit from the County Department of Public Works (DPW). Please contact DPW at Robert.Fuller@sdcounty.ca.gov or (858) 694-3862 to determine if your market location requires a permit. *Fee May Be Required*

Department of Public Works

Step 6 – Agriculture, Weights & Measures (AWM)

Once the applicant meets Steps 1-5, AWM will issue the CFM certificate. Applicants may make an appointment to pick up the completed certificate at AWM's office:

AWM - Attn: Ag Standards

9325 Hazard Way, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92123

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., M-F
Phone: ( 858) 614-7786

Open a CFM in an Incorporated City

The process for opening a CFM is different in an incorporated city than in an unincorporated area of the county.  Not sure if your market will be in a city or an unincorporated area? Look it up

Accept EBT/SNAP at Your Farmers' Market

Access to healthy food continues to be a struggle for many individuals in San Diego County. Farmers' markets can help increase access and promote public health. The more farmers' markets that accept EBT, the greater this impact becomes. If you're interested in accepting EBT/SNAP, please email AWM at agstandards.awm@sdcounty.ca.gov.