Mountain View vs San Jose
How do food truck permits rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View and San Jose 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 →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
Food trucks operating in San Jose must obtain a Mobile Food Facility Permit from the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health and a San Jose Business Tax Certificate. Operators must also comply with SJMC Chapter 6.54 regulating peddlers and solicitors. Food trucks must meet California Retail Food Code requirements including proper food handling, storage temperatures, and waste disposal. The City has designated certain areas where food trucks may operate and requires compliance with health, fire, and parking regulations.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Environmental Health |
| Business License | - | San Jose Business Tax Certificate required |
| Code Section | - | SJMC Chapter 6.54 |
| Fire Safety | - | Fire suppression system required |
| Inspections | - | Regular County health inspections |
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.
San Jose FAQ
What permits do I need to operate a food truck in San Jose?
You need a Mobile Food Facility Permit from Santa Clara County Environmental Health, a San Jose Business Tax Certificate, and a CDTFA seller's permit. Your truck must pass health and fire safety inspections.
Where can food trucks park in San Jose?
Food trucks may operate in designated areas and at approved events. Check with the City's Planning Division and the County Environmental Health Department for approved locations and restrictions.
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