Food Truck Permits: Altadena vs Los Angeles
How do food truck permits rules compare between Altadena, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Altadena has fewer restrictions than Los Angeles.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Mobile food facilities operating in Altadena need a LA County Department of Public Health Mobile Food Facility permit, a LA County business license under Title 7, and must operate from approved commissaries.
View full Altadena rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles food trucks must obtain a Mobile Food Facility (MFF) permit from LA County Department of Public Health (~$702/year) plus an LA Business Tax Registration Certificate. Trucks must operate from an approved commissary, return nightly, and may not park in one location longer than allowed by LAMC §80.73 metered/posted limits.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Type | Mobile Food Facility (DPH) | - |
| State Law | Cal. Retail Food Code (HSC 113700+) | - |
| Commissary | Required daily check-in | - |
| School Distance | 500 ft restriction | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Do I need a permit to run a food truck in Altadena?
Yes — a Mobile Food Facility permit from LA County Public Health plus a business license under Title 7. Daily commissary required.
Los Angeles FAQ
Where can I park my food truck in LA?
On public streets in commercial/industrial zones, but no longer than 30 minutes (commercial) or 60 minutes (industrial) in one spot. No vending within 500 ft of schools during school hours, and residential zones are off-limits except for private catered events.
How long does the permit take?
Plan on 4–6 weeks from application to issuance. The truck must pass a plan check and an in-person inspection at the LA County DPH facility in Baldwin Park before the permit is issued.
How much does a food truck permit cost in Los Angeles?
The LA County Mobile Food Facility health permit runs about $702 annually for a full-prep truck, plus a city Business Tax Registration Certificate (variable) and commissary fees of roughly $400–$700/month.
Compare other topics
See how Altadena and Los Angeles compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool