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

Mobile food vendors in Walnut Creek must obtain multiple permits. At the County level, Contra Costa Environmental Health issues mobile food facility permits under the California Retail Food Code (CalCode). Trucks must operate from an approved commissary for food prep, water, and waste disposal, and must pass an annual inspection. At the City level, food truck operators need a Walnut Creek business license and must comply with zoning rules governing where trucks may park and operate. California SB 972 (2022), effective January 2024, overhauled the state sidewalk food vendor framework, replacing the old retail food facility permit with a Compact Mobile Food Operation permit designed for sidewalk vendors, and preempted certain local bans on sidewalk food vending. Food trucks operating at private events may also need special event permits. Trucks selling to the public from private property require property owner permission and compliance with zoning. Vehicle permits (DMV) and commercial driver qualifications apply to the vehicle itself. Food handler certifications per CalCode are required for all personnel.