LA is the largest food truck market in California—but it's also one of the most complex permit processes. Here's what you need to know.
Includes complete LA permit checklists, forms guide, and timeline planner
Los Angeles has a two-layer permit system, district-specific vending rules, and unique requirements like route sheets that other California cities don't have. Many new operators underestimate this and face months of delays.
Our California Kit includes the complete LA permit process, step-by-step.
Here's what you'll need. Our kit includes the complete checklist with exact steps for each permit.
$500–$1,200/year
LA County Department of Public Health
Required Mobile Food Facility permit. Cost varies by risk level and vehicle type.
$347+
Vehicle Inspection Plan Check Program
One-time fee for new vehicles. Required before your truck can be inspected.
$100–$500/year
City of Los Angeles
Required in addition to county health permit for operating within LA city limits.
$27–$28/year
Bureau of Street Services
Required for vending on city sidewalks or in parks. Location rules apply.
$200–$800/month
Verified by LACDPH
Must operate from an approved commissary kitchen. Required for all LA County food trucks.
$100–$300
LA County Fire Department
Required if using propane, deep fryers, or open flame equipment.
The California Kit includes: Complete LA permit checklist, application guide, required documents list, and step-by-step timeline for each permit above.
These are the things that trip up most new LA food truck operators.
LA requires BOTH county health permits AND city business permits. Many new operators miss this and face delays.
Unlike most counties, LA requires you to register your vending locations. There's a specific process for this.
DTLA, Venice Beach, Arts District, and Hollywood all have different vending rules. One size doesn't fit all.
Your LA County permit won't work in Long Beach, Pasadena, or Vernon—they have their own health departments.
The California Kit includes: District-by-district vending rules, route sheet walkthrough, and a checklist for cities that require separate permits.
First-year permit costs typically run $2,500-$4,500 in Los Angeles, not including your monthly commissary rental. The exact amount depends on your vehicle type and where you plan to operate. Our California Kit includes a complete cost calculator.
You need both. LA County handles health/food safety permits, while the City of LA requires a separate business registration. Our kit walks you through both processes step-by-step so you don't miss anything.
Plan for 3-6 months for a new food truck in Los Angeles. The plan check process alone takes 4-8 weeks. Our kit includes a detailed LA-specific timeline planner to keep you on track.
LA County requires all mobile food facilities to register their vending locations. This is a permit requirement that many operators don't know about. Our kit includes the complete process and forms.
Your LA County health permit covers most of the county, but different neighborhoods have different street vending rules. Plus, Long Beach, Pasadena, and Vernon require separate permits entirely.
Yes, absolutely. California law requires all mobile food facilities to operate from an approved commissary. Our kit includes a commissary evaluation checklist and what to look for.
This page shows you what permits you need. The California Kit shows you exactly how to get them—step-by-step checklists, required forms, timeline planner, and LA-specific guides.
One-time payment • Includes complete LA guides
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