• Make an appointment with a business counselor from the Office of Small Business to understand the process and discuss your plans.
• Choose one of three location options: Selling on Public Property, Private Property, or Public Park Property. The application process varies depending on the option you choose.
• If operating in the public right-of-way (e.g., sidewalks, streets, or alleys) apply for a permit to operate your food truck on public property from the Department of Public Works (DPW).
• If operating on private property (e.g., any space off the street such as a parking lot or private parcel) apply for a permit to operate through the Planning Department. You may apply for permanent use or temporary. Here is a list for mobile food facility (food truck) operators looking to locate on private property.
  • Notes:
    • Operating on public property will require neighborhood notification and can lead to a public hearing if the application is contested by neighboring businesses or residents. Work with your neighbors to gain support and be sure to explain how your food truck can be a good addition to the neighborhood and how you plan to be a part of the community.
    • Private organizers like Off the Grid also operate on private property. These companies already have permits but charge a fee and/or a percentage of your sales to participate at their locations. 
    • For public property, there are buffer zones around restaurants, schools, and certain neighborhoods, where you cannot operate. Expect to stay 75 ft. away from any restaurant and at least 500 ft. from any grade school. 
• If you are interested in locating in public park property, fill out this interest form.

Create a Business Plan

• Writing out business goals and action steps helps you clarify and organize your priorities.

Choose a business structure

• When starting a business, you will need to select a business structure for your business. This decision impacts how much you pay in taxes and your personal liability (i.e. who is legally responsible for debts). You will need to decide before registering your business.

Choose and file a business name

• If you choose to conduct business under a name different than your own (ie. John Doe), you must file a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) with the SF Office of the County Clerk.

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

• An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number. It is a unique nine digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
• Generally, businesses need an EIN to pay employees and to file business tax returns.

Register your business in San Francisco

• If you register your business before choosing a final location, you will have to update your registration with the new address. This can cost money and time.

Apply for a Seller's Permit

• Seller's Permits are from the CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). Every location must have this permit to sell taxable goods.

Obtain workers' compensation insurance

• You will need this insurance if you will have employees. You will need these in order to obtain the DPH permit to operate.

• Determine the level of Mobile Food Facility Classification you fall under and review the requirements for your classification level. There are 5 levels.
  • Resources at sfdph.org
• Find a place to prepare your food. All mobile food vendors must operate in conjunction with a food facility, also known as a commissary, such as a licensed commercial kitchen. Thus, you will need to rent a commercial space for preparing food, and storing your inventory. Find a list of commissary kitchens.
• Purchase a truck, cart, or trailer but make sure you know and understand the health requirements.
  • Notes:
    • Be sure to obtain or create schematics of your truck. You will need these to obtain a food permit.
    • If you are operating certain types of mobile food facilities (classification 4 and 5), appliances, plumbing and other structural items may require certification by the CA Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). 
• Secure a location for parking and truck maintenance. All mobile food facilities that prepare food must be parked at a designated food facility when not in use.

• Obtain a Manager’s Food Safety Certification for yourself and/or a designated employee. This person is responsible for teaching other employees proper food handling.
• Ensure all employees have a Food Handler Card. The SF Department of Public Health (DPH) offers a few options for obtaining this card. 
• Create a list of all foods to be served with information on how, when and where each food item is prepared and cooked. You will need this list to obtain a food permit
  • Note: If you make any changes to your food truck's written operational procedures, menu or equipment, you will need DPH approval.
• Apply for your Mobile Food Facility Permit to Operate from SF DPH. Your application will require a list of food to be served, truck schematics, Commissary Verification, Restroom Verification, Proof of Worker’s Compensation Insurance, Proof of Food Safety Certification, Written Operational Procedures, and a Business Registration Certificate.
  • Note: If you chose to operate on private property, you must also submit a Private Property Owner Verification form to DPH. 
• Use containers that are compostable or recyclable if you serve takeout or allow customers to take food home. The SF Mandatory Recycling and Composting Ordinance prohibits certain food service ware, like Styrofoam containers.
• If you chose to operate on public property, you must provide a copy of your final DPH permit to the Department of Public Works (DPW).

• Follow all DPH operating instructions to maintain a safe and healthy truck for customers and employees.
• Always clear your truck location of trash or debris before you leave. When operating on public property, be sure you don’t obstruct the sidewalk. 
• Post all required posters and permits including, but not limited to, No Smoking signs, minimum wage information, and health inspection results
• Mark your calendar. Schedule equipment maintenance and set reminders to renew your permits and licenses as needed.  
• Be prepared for SF DPH Health Inspections by checking walls, floors, and ceilings for damage; following best practices for food storage; collecting garbage; and ensuring workers have good hygiene.
• If your truck operates at a location for more than an hour, you and your employees must have access to a restroom within 200 ft. of the truck
• Reminder: If you make any changes to your food truck's written operational procedures, menu or equipment, you will need DPH approval
• Prepare and pay your local, state, and federal taxes.