California Commissary Kitchen Requirements

California mandates that all food trucks operate from a licensed commissary kitchen. This document covers commissary requirements, the commissary letter for permit applications, and daily return obligations.

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What this document covers

California is among the strictest states for commissary requirements. Under Health & Safety Code §114295, every Mobile Food Facility must operate from a commissary — a fixed, licensed food facility where the truck reports daily to dispose of wastewater, clean equipment, restock supplies, and store food when not in operation. The commissary must be permitted by the local health department and must provide adequate facilities for the food truck's operations. Your MFF permit application requires a signed commissary letter confirming the arrangement. Some counties allow approved alternative servicing areas, but the standard is a full commissary kitchen. Failure to maintain a valid commissary agreement is grounds for immediate MFF permit suspension.

Key sections included

Commissary definition and legal requirements
Commissary letter for MFF permit application
Daily return and servicing obligations
Wastewater disposal requirements
Food storage at commissary facility
Equipment cleaning and sanitization
Alternative servicing area provisions
Commissary change notification procedures

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my home kitchen as a commissary in California?

No. California does not permit home kitchens as commissaries for food trucks. The commissary must be a licensed commercial food facility with a valid health department permit. Some cottage food operations have separate rules, but they do not apply to MFF commissary requirements.

Do I have to return to the commissary every single day?

Yes, unless your county has specific alternative provisions. Under CalCode, MFFs must return to the commissary at the end of each operating day for servicing — wastewater disposal, water refill, and cleaning. Some counties allow multi-day trips with adequate on-board capacity, but this requires advance approval.

How much does a commissary cost in California?

Commissary rental in California typically ranges from $500–$2,000 per month depending on location and services. Los Angeles and San Francisco metro areas are on the higher end. Costs usually include a base fee for access plus charges for storage space and specific services.

Document details

State: California
Legal basis: California Health & Safety Code §114295(a); CalCode §§114295, 114297; County-specific MFF regulations
Enforced by: County Environmental Health Departments; California Department of Public Health
Penalty for absence: MFF permit denial or immediate suspension. Operating without a commissary is a violation of Health & Safety Code §114295 — misdemeanor with fines of $25–$1,000 per day. County environmental health will not issue or renew an MFF permit without a valid commissary letter.
Category: Licensing & Permits

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