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

Tustin City Code § 4110(f) defines the "Health Department" that issues food permits as the Orange County Health Care Agency, and Section 4111(a) makes it unlawful to operate any food facility, vending machine business, food processing establishment or other food handling business, including a mobile food preparation unit, without first applying for and receiving a food vending permit from that agency. Section 4111(b) requires the written application to state the applicant's name, address and the character and location of the activity, and adds a truck-specific requirement: an applicant for a mobile food preparation unit permit must list three service stops, giving the exact address and time of each.

Once issued, the permit is nontransferable and valid only for the specific person, location and type of sale approved, and it must be posted in a conspicuous place on the vehicle. Section 4113 layers on safety-equipment rules unique to mobile units, covering things like securing compressors and generators for outside access only, safety knife holders, seat belts for occupants while in transit and a minimum 5 B.C.-rated fire extinguisher mounted inside the driver's door. Units that serve more than one location a day face additional rules under Section 4114 for containing hot liquids and providing a labeled alternate exit.

Section 4115 lets the Health Officer suspend or revoke a permit for a State law violation, a Code violation or a violation of the part's own rules, with the operator entitled to a hearing if requested within fifteen calendar days. Section 4117 sets the default penalty: any violation of the food-handling part is a misdemeanor.