Food Truck Permits: San Leandro vs Sunol
How do food truck permits rules compare between San Leandro, CA and Sunol, CA?
San Leandro and Sunol have similar restriction levels.
San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
Per San Leandro Municipal Code Chapter 4-34 (Mobile Food Vending), it is unlawful to operate a mobile food vending unit without a City permit, a business license, current commercial & auto liability insurance, and an Alameda County Environmental Health Department permit. Hours are limited to 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.
View full San Leandro rules →Sunol, 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 Sunol rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Leandro | Sunol |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | SLMC Chapter 4-34 (Mobile Food Vending) | - |
| City permit | Required for each vehicle | - |
| County health permit | Alameda County Environmental Health (required) | - |
| Hours of operation | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM, 7 days/week | - |
| Max time in one ROW spot | 5 hours | - |
| Buffer from restaurants | 300 feet | - |
| Buffer from schools | 500 feet (30 min before/after school) | - |
| Private-property TUP | Required from Planning Division (510-577-3325) | - |
| 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.
San Leandro FAQ
Can a food truck just park on the street and sell?
Only with the City permit and only in zoning districts allowing it, and only for 5 hours max per location. It must also stay 300 ft from any eating establishment and 500 ft from any school during the school window.
Do private events like office parks count?
Yes — operating on private property still requires a Planning Temporary Use Permit, plus the County Health permit and city business license.
What insurance is required?
Current and valid commercial general liability AND automobile liability insurance covering the unit. City risk management sets minimum limits when issuing the permit.
Sunol 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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