CAMPAIGN
Guide to health permits for mobile food facilities
CAMPAIGN
Guide to health permits for mobile food facilities
Get approval to open a mobile food facility
The health permit and approvals you need depend on where you'll be located and how you'll prepare and sell food.What to do
Get help
Mobile Food Facility Program
Danny Nguyen
Senior Health Inspector
Abel Simon
Senior Health Inspector
Philips Ossai
Senior Health Inspector
Email the team at mobilefood@sfdph.org
Or visit us at the Permit Center.
Know where you'll operate
The steps for approval are different depending on whether you will have your mobile food facility on:
- Public right-of-way
- Private property
- Private events only
Follow our directions specific to where you plan to operate.
Prepare to follow food safety
We'll check throughout the permit process to make sure your operation will follow food safety and health codes.
You can prepare in advance by reviewing:
To operate on public property
To operate a mobile food facility on a public right-of-way, you need:
- a public works permit
- a health certificate of sanitation
- to pay your license fees
You must also meet City construction codes and food safety rules and inspections.
Go to the steps to operate a mobile food facility on public property.
To operate on private property
To operate a mobile food facility on private property, you need:
- zoning approval for temporary use of the area
- a health permit to operate
- to pay your license fees
You must also meet City construction codes and food safety rules and inspections.
Go to the steps to operate a mobile food facility on private property.
How to operate a mobile food facility
Related resources
Opening and operating
Some businesses are required to obtain additional permits and licenses from local regulatory agencies.
Apply for a Public Works permit to operate your food truck or cart legally on public property.
Certifications and inspections
About
The Environmental Health Branch manages health permits and inspections for mobile food facilities to keep food safe for consumption. We're a part of the Department of Public Health.