Long Beach's Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles food trucks & mobile vendors a little differently. In Long Beach, California, there are 2 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.

Food Truck Permits

Food trucks in Long Beach need a city business license and LA County Health Permit per LBMC Ch. 5.37. The city's sidewalk vending ordinance (LBMC Ch. 5.73, effective Feb 2024) regulates roaming vendors in residential areas from 8 AM to 8 PM or sunset.

Key details: Business License: Required. Health Permit: LA County required. Code: LBMC Ch. 5.37, Ch. 5.73. Residential Hours: 8 AM - 8 PM or sunset.

Operating without permit: $250 to $1,000 plus impoundment. Health violations: immediate closure order. Expired permits: $100 to $500 per day.

Vending Zones

Sidewalk vending in Long Beach is regulated under LBMC Ch. 5.73 (effective Feb 2024). Only roaming vending is permitted in residential areas. Canopies limited to 10x10 ft. The city is updating zoning code for food truck parking standards.

Key details: Residential: Roaming vending only. Canopy Max: 10 ft x 10 ft. Code: LBMC Ch. 5.73. Parking Standards: Under development.

Vending in restricted area: $100 to $500. Blocking access: immediate relocation order. Repeat violations: permit suspension.

The Bottom Line

Long Beach'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 Long Beach is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Long Beach can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.