Manteca, CA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Citywide permit cap
- 30 active permits
- Application fee
- $200 ($300 if unpermitted first)
- Operating hours
- 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Permit term
- 12 months, July-June
- Permit types
- V1 through V5
Summary
Manteca caps active mobile food vendor permits at 30 citywide, charges a $200 application fee, and limits food truck hours to 7 a.m.-10 p.m. on approved private and city property.
The city manager (or their designee) shall oversee the issuance, suspension, and revocation of mobile food vendor permits. A mobile food vendor permit authorizes the holder only to engage in the vending of products from a mobile food vendor vehicle in compliance with this municipal code and as specified on the permit. The mobile food vendor permit must be prominently displayed when the mobile food vendor vehicle is in operation. In addition to acquiring a mobile food vendor permit under this chapter, an operator must also acquire a business license with the city of Manteca (a separate and distinct, legal document).
B. Application. In order to obtain a mobile food vendor permit, a mobile food vendor operator must complete an application form provided by the city. The city recreation development and/or city development services department (in conjunction with the Manteca police department and/or the city finance department, if necessary), shall review and approve all applications. The application shall include the following information:
1. Name and address of the owner of the mobile food vendor vehicle, and proof of ownership.
2. Name and address of the operator of the mobile food vendor vehicle, and proof of a valid vehicle license to operate the vehicle (if the owner and operator of the mobile food vendor vehicle are not the same, the owner must provide the city a notarized letter granting permission for the operator to operate the mobile food vendor vehicle).
3.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4829770; v11 updated 2026-04-21).
Full Breakdown
Manteca requires a mobile food vendor permit before any food truck, cart, or catering vehicle sells on private property, city property, or at a private residence. The city manager caps active permits at 30 citywide and issues five permit types (V1-V5) restricting where a vendor may operate. Applications cost $200 (rising to $300 for anyone caught operating unpermitted first), run July 1 to June 30, and require proof of ownership, insurance, and a San Joaquin County health permit.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a valid permit draws a $100 fine, rising to $250, then $500 or a misdemeanor for repeat violations within 12 months; two violations can trigger permit suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many food trucks can operate in Manteca at once?
What does a Manteca food truck permit cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manteca
California rules heatmap·Compare Manteca 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 San Joaquin County handle food truck permits.