Santa Clara County, CA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- County Director (DEH)
- Permit term
- one year, renewable
- Scope
- countywide, incl. cities
- Authority
- Sec. B11-21 & B11-53
Summary
Mobile food facilities and mobile food preparation units in Santa Clara County must obtain an annual environmental health permit from the Director before operating, renewable each year.
It shall be unlawful for any person to conduct any activity for which this division requires a permit ... without first applying for, obtaining, and maintaining the required permit from the Director. ... The activities defined within this section require a permit to be issued by the Director. ... Mobile food facility means any conveyance, used in conjunction with the service of food or beverage, operating out of a commissary or other approved facility, upon which prepackaging food or approved non-prepackaged food is sold or offered for sale at retail.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Under Sections B11-21 and B11-53 of the County Ordinance Code, mobile food facility and mobile food preparation unit are among the food-facility categories the Director requires a permit to operate. Operating any such activity without first applying for and obtaining the permit is unlawful, and the Director may order closure until one is issued. Permits run one year and are renewable on payment of Board-set fees. Under Section B11-24, this permitting authority reaches food facilities both inside and outside the county's incorporated cities, because California Health and Safety Code § 101375 lets the County enforce environmental health law citywide as well as in the unincorporated area.
Violations & Fines
Operating a mobile food facility without a valid permit exposes the operator to closure of the facility, permit denial, and fines and fees under Chapter I of Division B11, in addition to the required permit fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the county permit apply even inside San Jose or Palo Alto?
What counts as a mobile food facility here?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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