San Benito County, CA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Fixed spot or >4 hrs/stop
- Permit term
- Up to 1 calendar year
- Locations
- Up to 4 per permit
- Also required
- Ch. 5.03 County taxes
- Restrooms
- Set by Environmental Health
Summary
In unincorporated San Benito County, a food truck that parks in a fixed spot or stays at one location over four hours needs a temporary use permit from the Planning Director covering up to four locations.
(f) Mobile vendors including food trucks. Mobile vendors or food trucks may operate in fixed locations or at any given location for more than four hours after obtaining a temporary use permit. The temporary use permit may be used by one vendor/truck to operate in up to four locations.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: current through Ordinance 1078).
Full Breakdown
Unincorporated San Benito County requires mobile vendors and food trucks operating in fixed locations, or staying at any one spot more than four hours, to first obtain a temporary use permit; one permit can cover up to four locations for up to a calendar year. Permitted trucks must carry all required health and other permits, comply with the county's Chapter 5.03 taxes, post their vendor permits and business license on the truck, and avoid blocking required parking, vehicle circulation, or emergency access. Restroom facilities are set by the County Department of Environmental Health.
Violations & Fines
Operating without the required temporary use permit, exceeding the four-location limit, blocking required parking or emergency access, or failing to post the vendor permit and business license on the truck subjects the vendor to enforcement under Title 1, General Provisions and Code Enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a food truck need a permit in San Benito County?
What must the food truck permit specify?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Benito County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Benito County to another location·View the California food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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