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

Mobile food facility (MFF) operation in San Ramon requires multiple layers of permitting. The primary health permit is issued by Contra Costa County Environmental Health Division under the California Retail Food Code (Health & Safety Code Division 104, Part 7). Food trucks and trailers are classified as MFF Category 3 (full-service cooking) or lower tiers based on food handling; annual permit fees vary by category. A commissary agreement, a licensed fixed food facility where the truck is cleaned, restocked, and wastewater disposed, is required. All food handlers need California Food Handler Card or Food Safety Manager certification.

A California seller's permit (CDTFA) is required to collect sales tax. SB 972 (2022) amended California law to specifically address sidewalk vending including compact mobile food facilities, limiting cities' ability to ban most sidewalk food vending, cities can regulate location, health, and safety but cannot outright prohibit. San Ramon additionally requires a city business license (renewed annually) through the Finance Department. Fire marshal inspection may be required for trucks with cooking equipment (Type I hoods, propane). Vehicles must carry commercial auto insurance and display permit decals.

Special event participation (concerts at Central Park, Art & Wind Festival, Run for Education) requires coordination with the event organizer and often a temporary event permit. Operation hours may be restricted in residential zones (typically no late-night operation near homes). Private property operation requires property owner permission plus same permits.