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Guide to health permits for mobile food facilities

Customer in a blue shirt picks up their order from a food truck.

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 is a mobile food facility?

A mobile vehicle that works in conjunction with a commissary or permanent food facility.

Examples would be a food truck and a coffee cart.

Who can 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

Tips for a successful inspection

Frequently Asked Questions about Mobile Food Facilities

Related resources

Opening and operating

Construction requirements for mobile food facilities
Understand which type of mobile food facility (MFF) you have
Mobile food facilities are placed into one of 5 classifications.
What to include when you submit your mobile food plan for review
Know your mobile food facility classification and what to prepare for your check with the health department.
Operate a mobile food facility on private property
Apply to set up your mobile food facility on private property, such as a parking lot.
Operate a mobile food facility on the street
Apply for a mobile food facility intended to operate on public right-of-way like a sidewalk or alley.
San Francisco licenses for small businesses
Some businesses are required to obtain additional permits and licenses from local regulatory agencies.
Get a public works permit for mobile food
Apply for a Public Works permit to operate your food truck or cart legally on public property.

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.

Partner agencies

Department of Public Health
Environmental Health
Food Safety