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

Food trucks in Palm Springs must carry multiple authorizations: (1) Riverside County Department of Environmental Health (DEH) Mobile Food Facility (MFF) permit with annual inspection, categorized as MFF-1 through MFF-4 depending on food handling complexity; (2) California Department of Tax and Fee Administration seller's permit; (3) Palm Springs Business Tax Certificate (business license); (4) if commissary-required, proof of a permitted commissary kitchen for prep, water fill, and waste disposal; (5) driver's license and vehicle registration; (6) compliance with California Retail Food Code (CalCode) temperature, handwashing, and sanitation rules. City rules under PSMC restrict where trucks can park and operate: generally not on public streets in residential zones, not within certain distances of brick-and-mortar restaurants during their operating hours (specific buffer varies), not obstructing traffic or visibility, and with time limits at any one public location. Private property operation requires the property owner's written consent and may need a temporary use permit. Events at the Convention Center, festivals, and private venues often contract food trucks directly with separate city coordination.