Oakland requires both county and city permits—miss one and you can't operate. Here's what you need to know.
Includes Oakland permit checklist and East Bay location guide
Oakland has a two-layer permit system: Alameda County for health permits, plus the City of Oakland's Food Vending Program. Many operators don't realize they need both.
Our California Kit includes the complete Oakland permit process for both layers.
Here's what you'll need. Our kit includes the complete checklist.
$207 application + annual fee
Alameda County DEH
Required Mobile Food Facility permit. Application fee required to process.
Varies
City of Oakland
City-level permit required in addition to county health permit.
$100–$150
Alameda County DEH or accredited provider
Required certification. ACDEH offers courses.
$200–$600/month
Verified by ACDEH
Must operate from an approved commissary kitchen.
$15 max (CA law)
CA-accredited provider
Required for all food handlers. California caps the cost.
$75–$200
Oakland Fire Department
Required if using propane or open flame equipment.
The California Kit includes: Complete Oakland permit checklist, Alameda County application guide, and city permit walkthrough.
These are the things that trip up most new Oakland food truck operators.
Oakland requires BOTH Alameda County DEH permits AND City of Oakland permits. Don't assume one covers the other.
If you operate across Bay Area counties, each county requires their own commissary paperwork. Plan for this.
Alameda County offers monthly info sessions for new operators. Attending before applying is recommended.
Oakland has strong food truck pod locations and brewery partnerships. Knowing where to operate matters.
The California Kit includes: Multi-county commissary guidance, info session details, and East Bay location tips.
First-year costs typically run $1,500-$3,000 for permits in Oakland, plus monthly commissary rental. The exact amount depends on your operation type. Our California Kit includes a complete cost breakdown.
Yes. You need Alameda County DEH permits for health compliance AND Oakland city permits to operate. Our kit walks you through both processes.
Alameda County DEH has a specific application process with monthly info sessions. Our kit includes the complete application checklist and timeline.
Oakland Municipal Code regulates mobile food vendors through the Food Vending Program. This is separate from your health permit. Our kit covers both.
Your Alameda County health permit is valid throughout the county, but cities may have additional local requirements. Our kit includes guidance for multi-city operation.
Oakland has active food truck pods, brewery partnerships, and event opportunities. Our kit includes location guidance for the East Bay market.
This page shows you what permits you need. The California Kit shows you exactly how to get them—both county and city, step-by-step.
One-time payment • Includes complete Oakland guides
14-Day Money-Back Guarantee