Bakersfield's Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles food trucks & mobile vendors a little differently. In Bakersfield, California, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Sidewalk & Mobile Vending
Bakersfield limits sidewalk vending pushcarts to 8 feet long, 6 feet wide, and 5 feet high, requires the cart to be self-contained with no tables or chairs beyond one for the vendor, and bars stationary vending in residential districts, under Municipal Code Section 5.45.040.
Key details: Max cart length: 8 feet. Max cart width: 6 feet. Max cart height: 5 feet. Required clearance: 4 feet of unobstructed sidewalk. Stationary vending in residential zones: Not permitted.
A violation of Chapter 5.45 draws an administrative fine under California Government Code Section 51039, and a sidewalk vendor's fourth violation within one year results in permit revocation under Section 5.45.050. A vendor may appeal a fine or revocation in writing to the city manager or designee within 10 days of mailed notice, under Section 5.45.060, though the fine or revocation stays in effect while the appeal is pending.
Food Truck Permits
Food trucks in Bakersfield must obtain permits from the Kern County Environmental Health Division and a city business license. Mobile food vendors must comply with California Retail Food Code requirements and city regulations governing mobile food vending operations.
Key details: Health Permit: Kern County Environmental Health. Business License: City of Bakersfield required. Inspections: Vehicle inspection required. Commissary: Commissary kitchen required. State Code: CA Retail Food Code compliance.
Operating a food truck without required permits can result in closure orders from Environmental Health, business license violations, and fines. Health code violations may result in immediate shutdown. Operating in prohibited locations can result in citations and vehicle impoundment.
Vending Zones
Bakersfield limits food vending vehicles to CC, C-2, C-B, M-1 and M-2 zones under Municipal Code § 5.66.050(L), and requires them to park at least 200 feet from residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-S, PUD) unless a conditional use permit applies.
Key details: Permitted zones: CC, C-2, C-B, M-1, M-2 by right. Other zones: Require conditional use permit. Residential buffer: 200 feet from R-1/R-2/R-3/R-S/PUD. Restaurant buffer: 75 feet from primary frontage. Extended-hours zones: CC and C-B: 6 a.m.-1 a.m. daily.
Operating outside the permitted zone districts without a conditional use permit, or within the 75-foot restaurant or 200-foot residential-zone buffers, violates § 5.66.050(L)-(M) and can lead the finance director or designee to deny or revoke the food vending vehicle permit under § 5.66.040(B)(3) for operating in violation of the chapter's regulations.
This is one of the stricter rules in Bakersfield's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
The Bottom Line
Bakersfield's food trucks & mobile vendors rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Bakersfield is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Bakersfield's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.