How San Bernardino Handles Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: A Practical Guide

San Bernardino maintains 115 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with food trucks & mobile vendors. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where San Bernardino falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Food Truck Permits

San Bernardino food trucks require a city business license, a San Bernardino County Environmental Health mobile food facility permit, and a commissary kitchen agreement. State SB 946 protects sidewalk vendors separately.

Key details: City License: SB Finance Department. Health Permit: SB County Environmental Health. State Food Code: CRFC H and S 113700+. Commissary Required: Every 24 hours. Sidewalk Vending Law: SB 946 (Gov Code 51036).

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Vending Zones

Senate Bill 946 (Gov Code 51036) preempts outright bans on sidewalk food vending in San Bernardino. The city may regulate time, place, and manner only with reasonable health, safety, or public welfare justifications.

Key details: Governing Statute: Gov Code 51036-51039 (SB 946). Outright Bans: Prohibited except certain events. Competition Bans: Prohibited. Max Civil Fine: 500 dollars per violation. Criminal Penalties: Prohibited under SB 946.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

The Bottom Line

San Bernardino'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 San Bernardino is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from San Bernardino's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.