Opening a food truck in the city of San Diego, CA, requires obtaining several licenses and permits. These include a Public Health Permit, a Business Tax Certificate, a Mobile Food Truck Permit, a Special Events Permit, a Temporary Use Permit, and a Neighborhood Use Permit. Each of these permits serves a specific purpose and has its own application process and associated costs.
1. Public Health Permit
Purpose: This permit is required to ensure that your food truck meets all health and safety standards set by the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality.
Estimated Cost: The cost varies based on the complexity of the site context and the time necessary for staff review. Operating without a Health Permit will result in a fee three times the cost of the annual permit fee.
How to Register: You can apply for this permit by filling out the application form (DEH:FH-152) found on the San Diego County's official website. You must also submit an Infection Prevention & Control Plan (IPCP) with your application.
2. Business Tax Certificate
Purpose: This certificate is required to operate a business within the City of San Diego.
Estimated Cost: The cost varies based on the type of business and other factors.
How to Register: You can apply for this certificate through the City Treasurer's office.
3. Mobile Food Truck Permit
Purpose: This permit is required for mobile food truck operations on private property in certain areas with high pedestrian and vehicle activity.
Estimated Cost: The cost varies based on the complexity of the site context and the time necessary for staff review.
How to Register: You can apply for this permit through the Development Services Department (DSD).
4. Special Events Permit
Purpose: This permit is required for any mobile food truck operations that would result in the assembly of 75 people or more on public property.
Estimated Cost: The cost varies based on the type of event and other factors.
How to Register: You can apply for this permit through the City Manager's office.
5. Temporary Use Permit
Purpose: This permit is required for a seasonal or limited-time event.
Estimated Cost: The cost varies based on the type of event and other factors.
How to Register: You can apply for this permit through the Development Services Department (DSD).
6. Neighborhood Use Permit
Purpose: This permit is required for approval to deviate from the requirements in SDMC Section 141.0612.
Estimated Cost: The cost varies based on the type of deviation and other factors.
How to Register: You can apply for this permit through the Development Services Department (DSD).
More Resources
For more information, you can refer to the following sources:
- Public Health Permit
- Business Tax Certificate
- Mobile Food Truck Permit
- Special Events Permit
- Temporary Use Permit
- Neighborhood Use Permit
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