Marin County, CA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Marin County Code § 7.24.030
- Permit holder
- Driver carries permit, not posted
- Renewal
- Annual renewal date
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor; each day is separate offense
- Enforcing agency
- Marin County Environmental Health Services
- Pre-permit step
- Vehicle plan approval under § 7.24.020
Summary
Marin County Code § 7.24.030 makes it unlawful to operate any food establishment, including a mobile food facility, in the unincorporated county without a permit from the county health officer. A food truck's permit must be carried by the driver rather than posted at a fixed address, and it expires on an annual renewal date.
Mobile food facility. 'Mobile food facility,' as referred to in this chapter, means any vehicle where food is stored, prepared, packaged, served, vended, or otherwise provided for human consumption at the retail level. ... 7.24.030 - Permit required. (a) Required. It is unlawful for any person to operate any food establishment within the unincorporated area of Marin County without a valid permit issued by the county health officer. Such permit shall be displayed prominently in or upon the place of business for which it is issued, or in the case of a mobile food facility, shall be carried by the driver.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 2026 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
010 as 'any vehicle where food is stored, prepared, packaged, served, vended, or otherwise provided for human consumption at the retail level,' and treats it as one category of 'food facility' alongside restaurants, vending machines and temporary food stands. 24, Division 22 of the California Health and Safety Code, and California Department of Public Health regulations. 020 requires county Environmental Health Services approval of construction or remodeling plans for the vehicle. 70 requires posting the color-coded inspection placard (green 'PASS,' yellow 'CONDITIONAL PASS,' red 'CLOSED'), which for a mobile unit travels with the vehicle rather than a storefront window.
Violations & Fines
Operating a mobile food facility, or any food establishment, without a valid permit is a misdemeanor under § 7.24.060, and each day of operation without a permit counts as a separate offense. The health officer can also suspend or revoke a permit after a hearing under § 7.24.040, or immediately under § 7.24.041 where warranted, cutting off legal operation until the violation is corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do food trucks need a permit to operate in unincorporated Marin County?
What happens if a food truck operates without a permit?
Can a food truck's permit be transferred if the business is sold?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marin County
California rules heatmap·Compare Marin County to another location·View the California food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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