Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors in Contra Costa County, CA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in Contra Costa County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Food Truck Permits

Unincorporated Contra Costa County requires every retail food vehicle and mobile food preparation unit to hold a valid environmental health permit before operating. The county health officer issues the permit on a calendar-year cycle and requires the vehicle to carry it at all times while in use.

Contra Costa Mobile Food Vehicle Permit

Some Restrictions

Contra Costa County Ordinance Code §§ 413-3.602, 413-3.604, 413-3.616

No person shall conduct, operate or engage in any activity or object listed in Section 413-3.604, within the area of application, without having a valid, unrevoked, unsuspended environmental health permit therefor. ... An environmental health permit is required for all of the following: food establishments, vending machine businesses, taverns, cocktail lounges, bars, snack bars, commissaries, c...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Vending Zones

Mobile food facility location restrictions in unincorporated Contra Costa County are limited by state preemption (SB 972). Operators generally must have landowner permission, respect zoning, maintain setbacks from residences and schools, and cannot block ROW.

Food Trucks: Location Restrictions

Some Restrictions

SB 972 / California Health & Safety Code §§ 113831(c), 114368, 114368.1, 114368.2

(c) "Compact mobile food operation" means a mobile food facility that operates from an individual or from a pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, or other nonmotorized conveyance. A compact mobile food operation, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 113831, shall meet the applicable requirements of Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 114294), except as provided...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗