Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors in Modesto, CA (2026)
3 verified food trucks & mobile vendors rules for Modesto, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Food Truck Permits
Modesto requires every mobile food facility to hold a City permit and a business license before vending, restricts operation to private property zoned commercial or industrial, and requires a Stanislaus County health permit. The permit can be suspended or revoked for noncompliance.
Modesto Mobile Food Facility Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsModesto Code of Ordinances § 10-3.210
A person desiring to engage in mobile food facility operations, as defined by this section, shall submit a written application on a form(s) acceptable to and provided by the City. Such application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable, nontransferable application fee in an amount as established by resolution of the City Council. Vendors must have a valid permit in their possession when vendin...
Vending Zones
Modesto restricts mobile food trucks and trailers to private property in the C-1, C-2, C-3, C-M, M-1, and M-2 zones under Code § 10-3.212(i); they cannot operate from the sidewalk under the separate vending ordinance. Each truck needs a mobile food facility permit under § 10-3.210, a City business license, and a Stanislaus County health permit before selling to the public.
Modesto Mobile Food Trucks Zoned to Commercial Lots
Some RestrictionsModesto Code of Ordinances § 10-3.212(i)
Mobile Food Facility. Food vendors from a truck, vehicle or trailer are permitted, with an approved mobile food facility permit (see Section 10-3.210, above), in the C-1, C-2, C-3, C-M, M-1 and M-2 zones. Ordinance No. 3724-C.S., which is related to sidewalk vendors, does not apply to mobile food facilities.
Sidewalk & Mobile Vending
Anyone selling food or merchandise from a pushcart, stand, or non-motorized cart on a Modesto sidewalk needs an annual sidewalk vending permit from the City's neighborhood preservation unit under Modesto Code § 4-1.1203. The permit is nontransferable, expires each December 31, and requires a business license, seller's permit, and county health approval before a cart can legally operate.
Modesto Sidewalk Vendors Must Hold a City Permit
Some RestrictionsModesto Code of Ordinances § 4-1.1203
Every person who sells food or merchandise from sidewalks within the City shall be required to obtain a sidewalk vending permit issued by the City's neighborhood preservation unit. A sidewalk vending permit issued pursuant to this chapter is nontransferable, and shall expire automatically at the end of each calendar year and would require review renewal to continue as stated in Section 4-1.1210.
Looking for Stanislaus County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Modesto city rules.
Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors in Stanislaus County →