Contra Costa County, CA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Operating a Mobile Food Facility (MFF) in unincorporated Contra Costa County requires compliance with state and local laws. The California Retail Food Code (CalCode, Health & Safety Code 113700 et seq.) governs food safety. All MFFs must obtain an annual health permit from Contra Costa Environmental Health, including plan review of the vehicle or cart, a commissary agreement (for food preparation, cleaning, and waste disposal), and food handler certifications. Trucks serving non-prepackaged food (Category 3/4) require more extensive inspection than those serving only prepackaged items. Operators also need a County business license (or a city license if operating in an incorporated city), a California seller's permit (CDTFA), and vehicle registration with the DMV. SB 972 (2022) preempted many local restrictions on sidewalk/cart food vendors, shifting regulation toward health and safety rather than location bans. AB 1850 and related statewide reforms similarly constrain how counties regulate MFF location. Unincorporated CCC generally allows MFFs to operate on private property with landowner permission and in certain commercial zones, with restrictions on overnight parking, setbacks from residences, and hours of operation. Events and festivals require additional temporary food facility permits.