Food Truck Requirements
The following information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a complete or comprehensive list of all applicable requirements for mobile food facilities to operate in Lafayette, CA. Food truck operators are responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, county, and city laws and regulations.
County Requirements
Mobile Food Facility (Food Truck) Permits
All food trucks operating within the City must maintain a valid Mobile Food Facility Permit issued by Contra Costa Health Services. Permits must be renewed annually. For guidance, please refer to the Contra Costa Health FAQs.
Additional Resources from Contra Costa County Health:
- Food Safety & Business Permit Information - Scroll down to "Mobile Food" for the application form
- Brochure on County Requirements in English
- Brochure on County Requirements in Spanish
State Requirements
Sales Tax (Seller's Permit)
Food truck operators must collect and remit applicable sales tax at the point of sale. All vendors will need to obtain a State Seller’s Permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. For guidance, please refer to Publication 287, issued by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
Restroom and Handwashing Access
Under the California Retail Food Code (Health & Safety Code § 114315), food trucks must operate within a 200 feet travel distance of an approved and readily available toilet and handwashing facility.
City of Lafayette Requirements
Parking and Meter Requirements:
Food truck operators must observe applicable parking regulations at all times. If operating in a metered parking space, food truck operators must pay the parking meter in accordance with City regulations. Food truck operators must pay parking meter fees for all metered parking spaces occupied by the vehicle. If operating in an unmetered space with posted time limits, operators must comply with all posted parking time restrictions.
Sidewalk and Public Right-of-way Obstructions:
Food truck operators may not place furniture, signage, equipment, or other obstructions within or across the sidewalk or public right-of-way.
Noise Ordinance
Food truck operators must comply with the City's noise ordinance. For guidance, please refer to Chapter 5-2 of the City's Municipal Code.
Idle Free Policy
On October 12, 2022, the City Council adopted a resolution declaring Lafayette an Idle-Free City. Per the resolution, food truck operators are encouraged not to exceed 30 seconds of vehicle idling within City limits.
Questions?
For questions or further information about operating a food truck in Lafayette, please reach out to Heather Ward, Management Analyst.