Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors in San Jose, CA (2026)
2 verified food trucks & mobile vendors rules for San Jose, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Food Truck Permits
Food trucks operating in San Jose must obtain a Mobile Food Facility Permit from the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health and a San Jose Business Tax Certificate. Operators must also comply with SJMC Chapter 6.54 regulating peddlers and solicitors. Food trucks must meet California Retail Food Code requirements including proper food handling, storage temperatures, and waste disposal. The City has designated certain areas where food trucks may operate and requires compliance with health, fire, and parking regulations.
San Jose Food Truck Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsCalifornia SB972 (2021-2022 Session)
114368.8. (a) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) of Section 114395, a violation of this part by an operator or employee of a compact mobile food operation is punishable only by an administrative fine. (b) A violation of any provision of this part or regulation adopted pursuant to this part by an operator or employee of a compact mobile food operation or a sidewalk vendor shall not be punishable as...
Vending Zones
San Jose regulates mobile vending locations through its zoning code (SJMC Title 20) and business licensing provisions. Food trucks and mobile vendors may operate in commercial and industrial zones and at approved special event locations. The City has established designated vending areas in downtown San Jose and near major employment centers. Vendors must not block pedestrian access, fire hydrants, or emergency access routes. California's Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (SB 946) limits the City's ability to ban sidewalk vending outright.
San Jose Food Truck Vending Zone Rules
Some RestrictionsCalifornia SB946 (2017-2018 Session)
51038. (a) A local authority may adopt a program to regulate sidewalk vendors in compliance with this section. (b) A local authority’s sidewalk vending program shall comply with all of the following standards: (1) A local authority shall not require a sidewalk vendor to operate within specific parts of the public right-of-way, except when that restriction is directly related to objective health...
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Jose city rules.
Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors in Santa Clara County →