Berkeley vs San Leandro
How do food truck permits rules compare between Berkeley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
San Leandro has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
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 →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
San Leandro requires business license plus Alameda County Environmental Health mobile food facility permit. SB 946 limits restrictions on sidewalk vendors.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| Health permit | Alameda County EH | Alameda County EH |
| Business license | Berkeley Finance | City required |
| Zoning | Commercial/industrial | - |
| School buffer | 200 feet | - |
| State law | SB 946 | - |
| State code | - | CalCode (H&S §113700+) |
| Commissary | - | Required affiliation |
| Sidewalk vendors | - | SB 946 state rules |
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.
San Leandro FAQ
Can I run a food truck from home?
No. You must operate from a permitted commissary, not a private residence.
Do sidewalk vendors need the same permit?
SB 946 treats sidewalk vendors separately. They still need health and business permits but face limited local restrictions.
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