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

Chapter 5.97 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code regulates food vending vehicles. A food vending truck is a Category 1, 3, 4 or 5 mobile food facility as defined by Riverside County Ordinance No. 580.5 that is equipped or primarily used for preparing and retail selling food on a public street, alley, parking lot or highway in the city. Before the city issues the vendor's permit, each truck needs a Riverside County mobile food facility permit and certificates of inspection from the fire marshal and the code compliance division. The vendor's permit sits on top of any other license or permit the code requires.

The permit term is annual and renewable by paying a fee set by city council resolution; a substantial change in the original application requires a new application. A nonrefundable application fee, also set by resolution, is paid to the code compliance department before the application is submitted, and the health officer and chief of police investigate. The application asks for vehicle makes, years, serial, engine and plate numbers, the logo and color scheme, proof of insurance, each driver's name with written proof of being at least eighteen years old, and criminal convictions of principals and drivers other than minor traffic offenses.

The city manager or designee grants the permit within ten days after the health officer and chief of police approve, if the fees are paid, the application conforms, no material misrepresentation was made, the applicant cooperated, and no covered person has a disqualifying misdemeanor or felony conviction within five years. A denial comes in writing and can be appealed to the city clerk within fifteen days.

Insurance minimums in § 5.97.120 are motor vehicle liability of not less than one million dollars combined single limit per accident, commercial general liability of one million dollars per occurrence and two million dollars general aggregate, and workers' compensation with employer's liability limits of at least one million dollars. The city fire marshal inspects each truck before service and annually at permit renewal. Each truck displays a Riverside County grade card decal on the lower right side of the windshield and a city business license decal.