Merced County, CA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Health Permit of Operation, § 9.42.060(F), (I)
- Issuing authority
- County Health Officer
- Permit term
- Issuance through Dec. 31 same year
- Display
- Conspicuous place, plus ID decal on vehicle
- First infraction fine
- Up to $100, § 1.28.030
- Appeal window
- Written appeal to Board of Supervisors
Summary
Merced County requires every mobile food preparation unit and food vehicle operating in the unincorporated area to hold a valid Health Permit of Operation issued by the County Health Officer before serving any food, under County Code § 9.42.060.
No person shall maintain any of the following establishments, businesses or activities without a valid Health Permit of operation:
A. Restaurant B. Grocery Store C. Bakery D. Food Processing Establishment E. Food Storage Warehouse F. Mobile Food Preparation Unit G. Itinerant Restaurant H. Vending Machines I. Food Vehicle J. Produce Stand K. Commissary L. Temporary Food Facility
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4930839; v8 updated 2026-06-02).
Full Breakdown
090 requires an application on County forms accompanied by the non-refundable fee set in the Health Department Fee Ordinance approved by the Board of Supervisors. 170, may issue it subject to reasonable conditions, or must deny it if the standards cannot be met. ) and each vehicle must display a decal or identification tag from the Health Officer showing the required health certificate fee has been paid for the current year. 080 requires a new permit application whenever there is a material change of conditions in the operation.
140. 150 for violating a permit condition, a change of circumstances making the operation hazardous to public health, material misrepresentation on the application, or maintaining the operation in violation of the ordinance's standards; revocation takes effect 10 days after written notice by certified mail.
Violations & Fines
Operating a mobile food preparation unit or food vehicle without a current Health Permit of Operation, or failing to display it, is enforced as an infraction under Merced County Code § 1.20.020, which authorizes the county health officer to issue citations. Because Chapter 9.42 sets no separate penalty, the general infraction schedule in § 1.28.030 applies: a fine up to $100 for a first violation, up to $200 for a second violation within one year, and up to $500 for each additional violation within that year. Under § 1.28.040, each day the violation continues is a separate offense. A permit denial or revocation may be appealed in writing to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors under § 9.42.120 (initial denial) or § 9.42.160 (revocation), which stays a revocation pending the appeal hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Merced County food truck need a health permit?
How long does a Merced County mobile food permit last?
What happens if I operate without the permit displayed?
Can the county revoke a mobile food unit's permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Merced County
California rules heatmap·Compare Merced County to another location·View the California food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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