Monterey, CA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

2, it is unlawful to operate a mobile food vending vehicle in the City without a health permit from the Monterey County Department of Health where applicable, a valid business license issued under Chapter 19, and a vendor permit issued by the City. The vendor permit application is decided by the Deputy City Manager, Plans and Public Works, or a designee, and no vendor permit issues until the applicant already holds a City business license and, if required, the County health permit. A separate vendor permit is required for each vendor and each individual vending vehicle, even under common ownership.

The permit is personal and cannot be assigned, transferred or sold; doing so voids it immediately. Each permit runs for one year and can be renewed for additional one-year terms on a new application and fee, and it must be prominently displayed on the vehicle whenever vending occurs. The City adopted this permit scheme, per § 20-74, after Council findings that mobile food vending creates safety hazards including blocked sight lines, sidewalk queuing that pushes pedestrians into the street, mid-block crossing to reach vendors, and interference with the turnover of Monterey's limited on-street parking, with Lighthouse Avenue singled out for its high rate of sideswipe crashes. 4 by written request within 10 calendar days, with a hearing set within 45 days and the Board's decision final.