What permits are needed for a food truck or cart?

(Food trucks and food carts are categorized as a Compact Mobile Food Operation in Los Angeles County)

Welcome to the food truck and food cart facts and questions page where I will try to answer as many scenarios and questions regarding permitting within the city of Los Angeles and other neighboring counties within the area!

Just a little bit of my background: I run a small coffee catering business in the city of Los Angeles. I have attended multiple classes regarding operating procedures and licensing seminars that educate new food entrepreneurs. Some of my information may change from the time of posting as new laws and regulations change daily within the local public health department, so please keep that in mind.

What operation are you interested in?

This is an important question when starting out your business as each operation has its own rules and regulations that each business must abide by. Food trucks and food carts each have their own set of rules that the city sets up to follow. I mostly do catering events so when I have a private guest list and I am paid in advanced by a host, I do not need a health permit. However, if I am operating by selling by the cup to each customer, that is deemed selling to the public and I must be permitted and follow all city health codes. This applies to public farmers’ markets.

Do note that there are 2 types of markets: public markets (community events) where the event is held on public property i.e. the street or a public parking lot or a private market where the event is being held on private land and does not need to follow most of the city’s public health laws.

What Is a Community Event?

  • A community event runs up to 25 days within 90 days and includes fairs, festivals, and public gatherings approved by LA County Public Health. These events must have at least two Temporary Food Facilities (TFFs), requiring an Event Organizer Permit for support services like restrooms, waste disposal, and handwashing stations.

Public vs. Private Events:

  • Public Event (Requires Health Permit)

    • Open to the public (free or ticketed).

    • Advertised through public channels (social media, TV, posters).

    • Driven by public interest or general attendance.

  • Private Event (No Health Permit Required)

    • Invitation-only for a specific group, club, or corporation.

    • Restricted to qualified members (e.g., professionals, private organizations).

When Is an Event Organizer Permit Required?

  • 2+ TFFs (Food Booths) at an Event

  • 3+ Food Trucks/Mobile Food Facilities (MFFs)

  • What Food Vendors Need a TFF Permit?

  • Mobile Food Facilities (Food trucks, carts, trailers)

  • Temporary Food Facilities (Food booths at events, swap meets)

  • Cottage Food Operations (Class A & B, may need extra permits)

  • Permitted Food Facilities (Restaurants, bakeries, markets, warehouses, etc.)

Exceptions:

  • MFFs with a valid LA County Public Health Permit do not need an extra permit.

  • Non-profits/charities may qualify for fee exemptions (must apply for certification).

Food trucks/carts (private catering only):

  • No public health permit required

  • Counts as a private event if the guest list is private and invite-only and a host pays you for your services ahead of time, i.e., weddings, parties, or corporate functions.

  • Do not need to operate out of a commissary BUT do note that you still have to follow proper food safety as you can still get sued if a patron gets sick.

  • Do not need a 3 compartment sink at an event

Food trucks/carts (if not doing private catering only):

Permits & Business Requirements

  • A valid Public Health Permit is required, listing the vehicle’s license plate and owner.

    • Public Health Permit: Mandatory for all food facilities, such as restaurants, retail food markets, and food processing establishments, to operate legally. This permit ensures adherence to health standards and must be visibly posted within the establishment.

    • Mobile Food Facility Permit: Required for mobile food vendors, including food trucks and carts. Applicants must provide a valid DMV registration, identification, and, if applicable, corporate documentation. The permit must be displayed on the vehicle at all times.

    • Cottage Food Operation (CFO) Permit: Allows individuals to prepare and package specific non-potentially hazardous foods, like baked goods and jams, in a home kitchen. The California Department of Public Health maintains a list of approved CFO foods.

    • Temporary Food Facility (TFF) Permit: Necessary for vendors selling or giving away food at community events, such as fairs or festivals. Event organizers must also obtain an Event Organizer Permit to support TFFs, providing essentials like restrooms and waste disposal.

      Sidewalk Vending Permit: Street vendors, including those selling food, must secure a vending permit from the Bureau of Street Services. This permit ensures vendors comply with local ordinances and health regulations.

  • Owners must provide DMV registration, ID, and corporate documents (if applicable).

  • The permit must be displayed in the vehicle at all times.

  • A business license from City Hall or County Business License Office is required before operating.

Commissary Requirements

  • All mobile food facilities must operate out of a commissary or approved facility (if doing public community events, can operate if doing private catering but be aware that food safety is a must when storing food at home).

  • Home storage of food products or mobile units is not allowed.

  • Owners must provide a signed commissary agreement and are subject to random inspections.

Food Safety Certification

  • At least one certified food safety employee is required per facility.

  • Certification is valid for 5 years; new businesses have 60 days to comply.

Operational Procedures

  • Written procedures for food handling, cleaning, and sanitization must be approved and kept on the vehicle.

Vehicle Identification & Equipment

  • Business name, city, state, and permittee info must be clearly displayed in contrasting 3-inch letters.

  • ANSI-certified food equipment is required; gas and electrical appliances must meet safety standards.

Toilet & Restroom Access

  • Mobile units must operate within 200 feet of an approved restroom if parked for over an hour.

Certification Inspection

  • An annual inspection is required to maintain compliance. A certification sticker must be displayed.

  • Failure to obtain certification may result in permit suspension or revocation.

  • Must follow strict guidelines in the buildout of the enclosed truck operation. Find the specifics here on the Los Angeles Public Health Department website.