Long Beach vs Los Angeles
How do food truck permits rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Long Beach and Los Angeles have similar restriction levels.
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Food trucks in Long Beach need a city business license and LA County Health Permit per LBMC Ch. 5.37. The city's sidewalk vending ordinance (LBMC Ch. 5.73, effective Feb 2024) regulates roaming vendors in residential areas from 8 AM to 8 PM or sunset.
View full Long Beach rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Food trucks in LA are regulated under LAMC 80.73 (Catering Trucks). Operators need a city business license, LA County Dept of Public Health food facility permit, and vehicle plan check approval. Trucks must dispense food from the sidewalk side only and provide a litter receptacle. Distance restrictions include 500 feet from schools and 100 feet from intersections.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Long Beach | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Business License | Required | - |
| Health Permit | LA County required | LA County DPH required |
| Code | LBMC Ch. 5.37, Ch. 5.73 | - |
| Residential Hours | 8 AM - 8 PM or sunset | - |
| Code Section | - | LAMC 80.73 |
| School Buffer | - | 500 ft from any school |
| Intersection Buffer | - | 100 ft minimum |
| Service Side | - | Sidewalk side only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Long Beach FAQ
How do I get a food truck permit?
Apply through Long Beach business licensing and the county health department. Expect vehicle inspection and commissary agreement.
Do I need a commissary?
Yes. Most jurisdictions require a licensed commissary for food prep, storage, and wastewater disposal.
Los Angeles FAQ
How do I get a food truck permit?
Apply through Los Angeles business licensing and the county health department. Expect vehicle inspection and commissary agreement.
Do I need a commissary?
Yes. Most jurisdictions require a licensed commissary for food prep, storage, and wastewater disposal.
Compare other topics
See how Long Beach 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