To open a food truck in San Francisco, California, you need to comply with several state, federal, and local regulations. These include obtaining various licenses and permits, ensuring food safety and hygiene, maintaining proper tax and insurance records, and adhering to employment laws.
1. California Retail Food Code Compliance
Purpose: This is to ensure food safety and hygiene in your food truck.
Estimated Cost: Varies depending on the specific requirements.
How to Register: Comply with the guidelines provided on the California Department of Public Health website.
2. Food Handler Card
Purpose: All employees involved in food preparation must obtain this card to ensure they are knowledgeable about food safety.
Estimated Cost: Varies depending on the provider.
How to Register: Obtain the card through a recognized provider.
3. Commercial Modular Classification
Purpose: Your food truck may be classified as a "commercial modular" by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
Estimated Cost: Varies depending on specific requirements.
How to Register: Follow the guidelines provided on the California Department of Housing and Community Development website.
4. Business Entity Filing
Purpose: If you're forming a corporation, LLC, or partnership, you must file with the California Secretary of State.
Estimated Cost: Varies depending on the type of business entity.
How to Register: File the necessary documents on the California Secretary of State website.
5. Seller's Permit
Purpose: Required if you're selling tangible property.
Estimated Cost: No cost.
How to Register: Apply on the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration website.
6. Employment Compliance
Purpose: If you choose to employ people for your business, you must comply with laws for wages, hours, and working conditions, maintain Workers’ Compensation Insurance, and obtain a Federal EIN from the IRS.
Estimated Cost: Varies depending on specific local requirements.
How to Register: Register with the Employment Development Department and obtain a Federal EIN from the IRS website.
7. Local Permits
Purpose: At the local level, you need a business license, zoning or use permit, fictitious business name, health permit and inspection, fire permit, and general liability insurance.
Estimated Cost: Varies depending on specific local requirements.
How to Register: Use the online permit assistance tool, CalGOLD, to identify local, state, and federal permit information for businesses.
More Resources
For more information, please refer to the California Small Business Assistance Guide.
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