California Mobile Food Facility Permit

California Mobile Food Facility (MFF) permit required to operate any food truck in the state, issued by the county environmental health department where you primarily operate.

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What this document covers

California regulates food trucks as Mobile Food Facilities (MFF) under the California Retail Food Code. Every food truck must obtain an MFF permit from the county environmental health department where it primarily operates — and if you operate in multiple counties, you may need reciprocal permits or inter-county agreements. The permit application requires a detailed plan review of your truck (equipment layout, ventilation, water supply, wastewater, handwash station), a commissary agreement, a HACCP plan, proof of vehicle registration, and a fire department inspection. California distinguishes between Type 1 MFFs (limited food prep — prepackaged or single-step processes) and Type 2 MFFs (full cooking, multi-step processes), with different equipment requirements for each. Permits must be renewed annually, and your truck is subject to unannounced inspections throughout the year.

Key sections included

MFF classification (Type 1 vs. Type 2)
Plan review and truck specifications
Required equipment (handwash, 3-compartment sink, ventilation)
Commissary agreement requirement
Operating restrictions by county
Inter-county operating agreements
Annual permit renewal procedures
Inspection preparation checklist

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 MFF?

Type 1 MFFs handle only prepackaged food or single-step processes (heating a pre-made burrito). Type 2 MFFs do multi-step food preparation (raw to cooked). Type 2 requires more equipment — 3-compartment sink, mechanical ventilation hood, larger water tanks. Most cooking food trucks are Type 2.

Can I operate in multiple California counties with one permit?

Not automatically. Your MFF permit is issued by your primary county. To operate in other counties, you need either a reciprocal permit (some counties have mutual agreements) or a separate permit from each county. LA County, for example, requires its own permit regardless of where your primary permit was issued.

How much does a California MFF permit cost?

Permit fees vary significantly by county. Expect $500–$1,500 for initial plan review plus $400–$1,000 for the annual permit. LA County is on the higher end; rural counties may be less. Multi-county operations multiply these costs.

Document details

State: California
Legal basis: California Health & Safety Code §§114294–114319 (Mobile Food Facilities); California Retail Food Code (CalCode) §§113700 et seq.
Enforced by: County Environmental Health Department (varies by county — e.g., LA County DEH, SF DPH, Alameda County DEH)
Penalty for absence: Operating without an MFF permit is a misdemeanor under California Health & Safety Code. Fines of $25–$1,000 per day of operation. Truck impoundment. Criminal prosecution for repeat offenders. County can issue Cease and Desist immediately.
Category: Licensing & Permits

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