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Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors in Chico, CA (2026)

3 verified food trucks & mobile vendors rules for Chico, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Food Truck Permits

Chico requires a mobile food vendor permit, valid for two years, before operating a food truck or trailer on private property in a non-residential zoning district.

Chico Mobile Food Vendor Permit

Some Restrictions

Chico Municipal Code § 19.23.020

Mobile food vendor permits shall be issued for a period of two years upon the approval of a mobile food vendor permit application form provided by the Director that includes all information necessary to allow the Director to determine if the proposed use will comply with the standards in this chapter.

Vending Zones

Chico limits mobile food vendors, food trucks and trailers, to non-residential zoning districts, with a two-year permit issued by the Community Development Director under Chapter 19.23 of the Municipal Code.

Chico Food Trucks: Non-Residential Zones Only

Some Restrictions

Chico Municipal Code § 19.23.010

The following provisions are intended to permit food preparation and sales from a licensed motorized vehicle or a licensed trailer on a parcel located in a non-residential zoning district for a period of two years, subject to the standards in Section 19.23.040.

Sidewalk & Mobile Vending

Selling food or beverages from a city street or sidewalk in Chico requires a permit, and permits are limited to the central business district with strict buffer distances from schools and parks.

Sidewalk Food Vending in Chico, CA

Significant Restrictions

Chico Municipal Code §§ 14.60.050, 14.60.070

It is unlawful for any person to sell any food, cut flowers, beverages, or merchandise and/or to rent equipment or other things on and from any city street, sidewalk or other city property without a permit or franchise... A permit issued by the director shall not authorize the sale of food, cut flowers, and beverages on and from a city street, sidewalk or parking lot within 300 feet of the exte...

Looking for Butte County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chico city rules.

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors in Butte County