Food Truck Permits: Berkeley vs Castro Valley
How do food truck permits rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Castro Valley, CA?
Berkeley and Castro Valley have similar restriction levels.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley food trucks need a Mobile Food Facility permit from Alameda County Environmental Health, a city business license, and must follow CA Retail Food Code and SB 946 sidewalk vending law.
View full Berkeley rules →Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County
California Retail Food Code (Health and Safety Code 113700-114437) sets uniform mobile food facility permit, equipment, and food safety standards enforced by counties statewide.
View full Castro Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Castro Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Health permit | Alameda County EH | - |
| Business license | Berkeley Finance | - |
| Zoning | Commercial/industrial | - |
| School buffer | 200 feet | - |
| State law | SB 946 | - |
| Statute | - | H&S Code 113700-114437 |
| Permit issuer | - | County health department |
| Commissary required | - | Yes for most MFFs |
| SB 972 | - | Vendor reform 2022 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can a food truck park on any street?
No, Berkeley zoning restricts locations; designated vending zones and permitted events allow street operation.
Do I need a commissary?
Yes, California Retail Food Code requires trucks to return to a permitted commissary each operating day.
Castro Valley FAQ
Do I need a state license to operate a food truck in California?
You need a Mobile Food Facility permit issued by the county environmental health department where your truck is based. The state Retail Food Code sets the standards counties enforce.
Can different California cities have different food truck rules?
Cities can regulate where and when food trucks operate, but food safety, equipment, and permit standards are uniform statewide under the California Retail Food Code.
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