San Francisco
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in San Francisco
Comply with Zoning and Location Restrictions, particularly near schools, parks, and other restricted areas.
Register for a Business License with the City of San Francisco.
Pass a Health Inspection to ensure compliance with food safety and equipment standards.
Obtain a Mobile Food Facility Permit from San Francisco Public Works.
Renew Permits Annually to maintain operational status.
Use a Licensed Commissary Kitchen for food preparation, storage, and waste disposal.
Complete a Certified Food Safety Course recognized by the California Department of Public Health.
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in San Francisco
To operate a food truck in San Francisco, the following permits and steps are required:
Mobile Food Facility Permit: This permit is issued by San Francisco Public Works. Applicants must submit a completed application, provide proof of food safety certification, and pass an initial health inspection. The mobile food permit must be renewed annually.
Food Safety Certification: Operators must complete a Food Safety Manager Certification or Food Handler Certification course that is approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Commissary Kitchen: Food trucks must operate out of a licensed commissary kitchen for food storage, preparation, and waste disposal. Proof of the commissary’s location and licensing must be submitted to San Francisco Public Works.
Business License: A business license must be obtained from the City of San Francisco's Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector. This is necessary for all food businesses operating in the city.
Zoning and Location Permits: Food trucks must comply with San Francisco’s zoning regulations, which restrict where trucks can operate, especially near schools, parks, and residential areas. Some locations may require specific location-based permits, such as event-specific or private property permits.
Cost of Business Permit
$300
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in San Francisco
Inspections: All food trucks must pass an annual health inspection conducted by San Francisco Public Works. Inspections focus on food safety, cleanliness, refrigeration, cooking appliances, and sanitation systems.
Food Safety Certification: Operators must complete a Food Safety Manager Certification or Food Handler Certification that is approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) before applying for a permit.
Truck-Specific Requirements: Trucks must have an onboard handwashing station, adequate waste disposal systems, and proper refrigeration to comply with local health codes. These facilities are inspected by San Francisco Public Works during the health inspection.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in San Francisco
Food trucks are allowed to operate from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., with some exceptions in entertainment districts or special event locations, where extended hours may apply. Special event permits can allow different operating times.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in San Francisco
Fire Safety: Food trucks with cooking equipment such as grills, fryers, or propane tanks must undergo an inspection by the San Francisco Fire Department. The truck must be equipped with proper fire extinguishers, suppression systems, and safety equipment. A fire safety certificate is required for trucks with cooking equipment before they are permitted to operate.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in San Francisco
Prohibited Areas: Food trucks are restricted from operating within 500 feet of school entrances during school hours.
Zoning and Parking Restrictions: Food trucks must comply with San Francisco’s zoning laws, which can limit where they can park and operate. Certain areas, such as residential or high-traffic zones, may have additional restrictions.
Special Event Permits: If operating at public events or festivals, food trucks may need additional permits. Event organizers will typically coordinate the permitting process.
Location-Specific Rules: Food trucks operating in certain districts or private property locations may need to comply with specific operating hours and zoning regulations.
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.