Food Truck Permits: San Mateo vs South San Francisco
How do food truck permits rules compare between San Mateo, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
San Mateo and South San Francisco have similar restriction levels.
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
Food trucks in San Mateo require a San Mateo County Health Permit for mobile food operations and compliance with city zoning and business licensing requirements. Food trucks on private property require property owner consent. Special event food trucks may need additional event permits.
View full San Mateo rules →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
Mobile food facilities operating in unincorporated San Mateo County must obtain a Mobile Food Facility (MFF) permit from San Mateo County Health Environmental Health Services (EHS), pay the annual permit fee, pass a pre-operational vehicle inspection, secure a commissary agreement with a permitted commercial kitchen, and hold a California Food Handler Card. MFF permits run February 1 through January 31 annually. Contact EHS at (650) 372-6200.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Mateo | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Health Permit | SM County Environmental Health | EHS MFF permit required |
| Business License | City of San Mateo required | - |
| Private Property | Owner consent needed | - |
| Events | Event permits may apply | - |
| County Health | 650-372-6200 | - |
| Permit Year | - | Feb 1 to Jan 31 |
| Fee | - | $700-$1,200 annual |
| Commissary | - | Required, non-residence |
| Contact | - | EHS (650) 372-6200 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Mateo FAQ
What permits do food trucks need in San Mateo?
A Mobile Food Facility Permit from San Mateo County Environmental Health and a city business license. Operations on private property need owner consent.
Can food trucks park anywhere in San Mateo?
No. Food trucks must comply with zoning restrictions and cannot operate in prohibited locations. Private property requires owner consent.
Where are food truck events held in San Mateo?
Food truck events are organized at various locations including downtown and along the Caltrain corridor. Check city event calendars for scheduled gatherings.
South San Francisco FAQ
Can I park my food truck at home overnight?
No. California Retail Food Code §114295 prohibits parking or servicing MFFs at a residence. You must maintain a commissary agreement with a permitted commercial kitchen where the truck is cleaned, restocked, and wastewater is disposed each operating day.
Do I need a separate City permit if I operate across multiple San Mateo cities?
Yes — EHS issues the health permit countywide, but each city in San Mateo County has its own business license and vending-zone requirements. You'll need separate business licenses in Redwood City, San Mateo, Daly City, etc., plus any special-event TFF permits for festivals.
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