Mountain View vs Palo Alto
How do food truck permits rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Palo Alto, CA?
Mountain View and Palo Alto have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Food trucks in Mountain View need a Santa Clara County Environmental Health Mobile Food Facility permit plus a city business license. SB 946 limits the city's ability to restrict sidewalk vending locations.
View full Mountain View rules →Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Food trucks in Palo Alto require Santa Clara County Environmental Health permits plus city business licenses and compliance with zoning limits on mobile food vending.
View full Palo Alto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Palo Alto |
|---|---|---|
| Health permit | Santa Clara County EH | - |
| Business license | Required from city | - |
| Commissary rule | Daily return required | - |
| SB 946 scope | Sidewalk vendors protected | - |
| School proximity | 100 ft special auth | - |
| Health Permit | - | Santa Clara County DEH |
| Business License | - | Required from city |
| Private Property | - | Owner permission needed |
| Public Right of Way | - | Specific permit required |
| SB 946 | - | Sidewalk vendor protections |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can a food truck operate in a Mountain View park?
Only with a special event permit or concession agreement from Community Services. Regular food truck service in parks requires city authorization beyond the standard vendor permit.
Does SB 946 cover food trucks?
SB 946 specifically addresses sidewalk vendors (pushcarts, walking vendors) and does not preempt city regulation of mobile food vehicles, which remain subject to local parking and zoning rules.
Palo Alto FAQ
Can I park a food truck outside a Palo Alto office?
Yes with property owner permission (typical at tech campuses). Operating hours and site plans may be negotiated with the property manager.
Do I need separate permits for each city?
The county health permit covers all of Santa Clara County, but each city requires its own business license and compliance with local vending rules.
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