Altadena, CA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit Type
- Mobile Food Facility (DPH)
- State Law
- Cal. Retail Food Code (HSC 113700+)
- Commissary
- Required daily check-in
- School Distance
- 500 ft restriction
Summary
Mobile food facilities operating in Altadena need a LA County Department of Public Health Mobile Food Facility permit, a LA County business license under Title 7, and must operate from approved commissaries.
compact mobile food operations if the cottage food operation or microenterprise home kitchen operation permit includes an endorsement from the local enforcement agency that the cottage food operation or microenterprise home kitchen operation is capable of supporting the preparation and storage of the food being sold from the compact mobile food operation and the storage and cleaning of the compact mobile food operation. The bill would authorize nonpotentially hazardous foods prepared in a cottage food operation to be served from a compact mobile food operation. The bill would define “compact mobile food operation” as 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. The bil
Full Breakdown
California Health & Safety Code 113700 et seq. (California Retail Food Code) regulates mobile food facilities statewide. LA County Department of Public Health issues the required Mobile Food Facility (MFF) permit, with categories MFF-1 through MFF-3 depending on food handling complexity. LA County Code Title 7 (Business Licenses) requires a business license. Trucks must report to an approved commissary daily, and may not operate within 500 ft of a school during school hours under SB 1262 in some configurations. Curbside vending in residential streets is limited under LA County Code Title 8 to short-stop sales.
Violations & Fines
Operating without an MFF permit: misdemeanor under Cal. Health & Safety Code 114395, fines up to $1,000 and immediate closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run a food truck in Altadena?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Altadena
California rules heatmap·Compare Altadena to another location·View the California food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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Food Truck Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle food truck permits.