Alameda, CA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Alameda's sidewalk vending ordinance, adopted by Ordinance No. 5. A separate permit is required for each individual vending facility, issued to the sole proprietor or owner. If the food sold triggers state mobile food facility rules, the vendor must also hold a Mobile Food Facility Permit issued by the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health, and a valid City business license is required in every case. Applications go to the Public Works Director and must include the owner's contact information, a description of food or merchandise, a site plan for stationary vendors, a state-issued ID or tax ID, a seller's permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, proof of the county mobile food facility permit if required, proof of a business license, an indemnification agreement, and general liability insurance at an amount the Public Works Director and City Risk Manager set.

The Director must approve or deny within thirty days of a complete application and fee payment, and a denied applicant may cure and resubmit within thirty days without a new fee. Permits run one year and renew annually with no renewal fee if the business license stays current. Both the sidewalk vending permit and any required county mobile food facility permit must be displayed conspicuously on the facility at all times.