Madera County, CA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Vending Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 5.24.020(E)
- Allowed zones
- Commercial, industrial, highway frontage only
- Also required
- Written owner permission
- Scope
- Unincorporated Madera County only
Summary
Mobile food and itinerant vendors in unincorporated Madera County can only set up on private property zoned commercial, industrial, or highway frontage, and only with the landowner's written OK.
Itinerant vendors may operate only on privately owned real property within the commercial, industrial, or highway frontage zoning districts, and only with the written permission of the owner of the property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).
Full Breakdown
Madera County Code Chapter 5.24 regulates 'itinerant vendors,' a term the code defines to include anyone selling food items from motor vehicles, pushcarts, or temporary structures. Section 5.24.020(E) confines that activity: 'Itinerant vendors may operate only on privately owned real property within the commercial, industrial, or highway frontage zoning districts, and only with the written permission of the owner of the property.' A mobile food vendor also needs a business license, a food permit under § 7.01.050, and an itinerant vendor permit from the tax collector before setting up in unincorporated Madera County, this rule applies only outside the cities of Madera and Chowchilla.
Violations & Fines
Operating an itinerant food vendor outside the commercial, industrial, or highway frontage zones, or without the property owner's written permission, violates § 5.24.020; enforcement runs through officers designated under Madera County Code § 1.12.040.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can a food truck operate in unincorporated Madera County?
Does this zoning limit apply inside the City of Madera?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madera County
California rules heatmap·Compare Madera County to another location·View the California food trucks & mobile vendors overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.