Los Angeles County, CA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Business License
- Required from LA County
- Health Permit
- LA County DPH
- Sound Restriction
- No chimes near residences 9 PM-7 AM
- Food Handlers
- Certified cards required
Summary
Food trucks in unincorporated LA County need a county business license, LA County Dept of Public Health mobile food facility permit, and CA seller's permit. Catering trucks cannot sound music/chimes within 200 ft of residences between 9 PM and 7 AM. All food handlers need certified food handler cards.
This bill would authorize a cottage food operation or microenterprise home kitchen operation to serve as a commissary or mobile support unit for up to 2 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. ... 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, or other nonmotorized conveyance.
Full Breakdown
Food trucks operating in unincorporated LA County need multiple permits: a county business license from the Treasurer & Tax Collector, a Mobile Food Facility permit from the LA County Department of Public Health (Environmental Health division), and a valid California seller's permit. Health permits require an approved commissary for food prep, storage, and waste disposal. Vehicles must meet fire safety requirements including fire extinguisher and exhaust hood standards. Annual health inspections are required. LA County health permit fees range from $400-$800 depending on facility type.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a health permit is a misdemeanor under CA HSC 114381 with fines up to $1,000. Health code violations during inspection can result in permit suspension or closure orders. Operating without a business license carries fines of $250-$500. Fire safety violations may result in citations from LA County Fire. Repeat health code offenders face permit revocation and are published on the county's inspection results website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What permits do I need for a food truck in LA County?
Do I need a commissary for my food truck?
How often are food trucks inspected?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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