California Food Trucks & Vending

California Food Truck Regulations

County health permit required. Mobile Food Facility (MFF) classification. LA, SF strict regulations.

California Retail Food Code governs MFFs. County environmental health issues permits. Type A (extensive food prep) vs Type B (limited). LA County requires commissary, 200ft restaurant setback. SF permits competitive. Must display permit. Propane certification required. CalRecycle waste requirements. SB 972 (2022) reformed some restrictions. Health inspection twice annually.

Food Truck Licensing Requirements

California: Food trucks need business license, health permit, and often mobile vendor permit. Rules vary significantly by city.

FOOD TRUCK LICENSING

TYPICAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Business License: From city/county
2. Health Permit: From health department
3. Mobile Food Vendor Permit: City-specific
4. Vehicle Registration: Commercial plates
5. Fire Safety Inspection: Required in most areas

HEALTH DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS
• Commercial kitchen certification
• Food handler cards for all staff
• Regular inspections
• Commissary agreement (where you prep/store)
• Waste water disposal plan

CITY-LEVEL PERMITS
Food truck regulations vary enormously by city:
• Some cities very friendly (Portland, Austin)
• Some very restrictive (NYC, Chicago)
• Distance requirements from restaurants
• Time limits at locations
• Designated zones only

COMMISSARY REQUIREMENT
Most health departments require:
• Base of operations at licensed commissary
• Where you prep food
• Where you dispose of waste
• Where you store supplies overnight

OPERATING RESTRICTIONS (COMMON)
• Hours of operation limits
• Distance from schools
• Distance from restaurants (100-500ft)
• No blocking traffic/sidewalks
• Time limits at each location
• Designated parking areas only

INSURANCE REQUIRED
• General liability ($1M typical)
• Auto insurance (commercial)
• Workers' comp (if employees)
• Product liability recommended