San Diego
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in San Diego
Avoid Operating Near Schools and Restricted Zones as per city-specific rules.
Use a Licensed Commissary Kitchen for food storage and preparation.
Pass a Health Inspection to ensure the food truck meets sanitation and safety standards.
Obtain a Mobile Food Facility Permit from the San Diego County Health Department.
Renew Permits Annually and keep all permits displayed on the truck while operating.
Comply with Zoning and Location Requirements by registering the truck’s location with the city and following parking restrictions.
Complete a Food Safety Certification Course approved by the County Health Department.
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in San Diego
To operate a food truck in San Diego, several permits are required:
Mobile Food Facility Permit: Issued by the San Diego County Health Department, this permit is mandatory for food trucks. To obtain this, operators must submit an application, pass a health inspection, and demonstrate compliance with food safety standards.
Food Safety Certification: Operators must complete a Food Safety Manager certification course approved by the county. This is a prerequisite before applying for the permit.
Commissary Kitchen License: Food trucks are required to operate out of a licensed commissary kitchen, where food is stored and prepared. The truck must provide proof of this relationship when applying for the permit.
Zoning and Location Permit: The truck must comply with San Diego’s zoning regulations, which include restrictions on where the truck can park. This may include a separate location permit, depending on where the food truck operates within the city.
Cost of Business Permit
$500 - $1,000
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in San Diego
Inspections: Food trucks in San Diego must pass an annual health inspection conducted by the San Diego County Health Department. Inspections cover the sanitation of food storage, cleanliness, cooking equipment, and overall truck conditions. Operators may be subject to unannounced inspections.
Food Safety Certification: Operators must complete a Food Safety Manager certification course, ensuring they are knowledgeable about safe food handling, preparation, and storage practices.
Truck-Specific Requirements: Food trucks must have an onboard handwashing station, adequate waste disposal systems, and refrigeration to store perishable items. These requirements are crucial for ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in San Diego
Food trucks may operate between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.. However, there may be exceptions or extended hours in certain entertainment zones or areas designated for food truck events.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in San Diego
Fire Safety: Food trucks with cooking equipment (e.g., grills, fryers, or propane tanks) must undergo an inspection by the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. Trucks must be equipped with proper fire suppression systems, extinguishers, and other fire safety measures. A fire inspection certificate may be required to operate, especially for trucks with potentially hazardous cooking equipment.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in San Diego
Prohibited Zones: Food trucks are restricted from operating within 500 feet of a school entrance during operational hours. This is to prevent food trucks from competing with school cafeterias during lunch hours.
Zoning Restrictions: Food trucks must adhere to the city’s zoning laws, which include limitations on parking in residential and certain high-traffic areas. Operators should consult the local zoning map to ensure compliance.
Event-Specific Permits: Trucks operating at seasonal events or festivals may require additional permits, and event organizers often manage the permitting process.
Operating Hours: While trucks can generally operate until 10:00 p.m., trucks in entertainment districts may qualify for extended hours, subject to approval from local authorities.
The information on this page is collected through collaboration with local food truck owners and occasional voluntary submissions from local government and health officials. Food Truck Profit is not a government agency and cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. All food truck owners are strongly encouraged to consult directly with local government officials, including fire and health departments, to ensure compliance with all regulations. Food Truck Profit assumes no liability for errors or omissions in the content provided.