Mobile Food Facility

Compact Mobile Food Operations

​On September 23, 2022, Governor Newsom signed SB 972, a bill that modifies the California Retail Food Code and allows some sidewalk food vendors to obtain public health permits. The new law established a new retail food facility, among other changes, and is effective on January 1, 2023.

The new type of food facility is called a Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO), and is defined as a non-motorized push-cart, stand, rack, or display with or without wheels, pedal-driven cart, wagon, or showcase.

CMFO Requirements food cart pic.png

  • Health permit required*
  • Commissary required 
  • Warewashing and Handwashing equipment required for permitted CMFOs
  • Food Handler Cards required
  • Potentially hazardous food prepared at an approved facility and served from a CMFO shall be destroyed at the end of the operating day
  • Routine inspections required*
  • Permit fees may apply

*Exemptions: Health permits and routine inspections may not apply for CMFOs that have less than 25 square feet of display space AND sell only non-potentially hazardous prepackaged food or whole, uncut produce. CMFO Permit Exemption RequirementsSpanish - Posted 6/20/2023

​You can read SB 972 as approved.​​

Effective January 1, 2023, California Retail Food Code (CRFC) was amended to promote economic inclusion while modernizing the CRFC so that food vendors can obtain a health permit and join the regulated vending economy. The law established a new definition for Compact Mobile Food Operations (CMFO) and criteria for permitting. 

Compact Mobile Food Frequently​​ Asked Questions​ 

Mobile Food Facility​ 

The phrase Mobile Food Facility (MFF) refers to several different types of vehicles that food is sold from. Some examples include:Food-Truck.png
  • Food truck
  • Ice cream vans
  • Hot dog carts
  • Produce trucks
  • Coffee cart

All MFF are required to have a valid permit sticker at all times for the county where food is being sold. 

 Food permit sticker imageTo obtain a permit, the vehicle must meet applicable California Retail Food Code requirements commencing with section 114294, submit a commissary verification form, complete an application, pay the annual permit fee, and pass an inspection.   


​How to Obtain a Mobile Food Facility Permit – This presentation will guide you through the permitting process to prepare and/or sell food from a mobile truck/vehicle. It will include structural requirements, define different types of mobile permits, what paperwork is required, the application process, fees, inspections and how to comply with California Retail Food Code.

Vehicles must pass inspection every year to maintain a current permit sticker. 

​Please Note: Vehicles that do not pass on the first inspection may be required to pay a reinspection fee for additional inspections.

INSPECTION APPOINTMENT NEEDED

All permitting inspections for MFF are conducted by appointment only.  Please call 916-875-8440 to schedule an appointment. ​​

Information about scheduling and preparing for a food truck inspection.

​​Mobile Food Facility Frequently​ Asked Questions​​

Mobile Food Facility Plan Review

NEW: Effective July 1, 2021 all MFF applying for a new
category (D) permit with the County of Sacramento must either show proof that they
have been previously permitted in another county within the State of California or
submit a complete set of plans to our department for review and approval prior to the
issuance of the permit.
NOTE: For new construction or major remodel of existing MFF, the
MFF owner/operator shall submit a complete set of plans to our department for review
and approval prior to beginning the construction or remodel.

Please contact EMD EH plan review at (916) 874-6010 or email: emd-ehplanreview@saccounty.gov with any mobile food facility category "D" questions​​​.

Mobile Food Facility Fees
For a current list of fees, please refer to the current Fee Schedule

​Specialists are available to answer questions and conduct inspections Mon-Fri from 8am – 10am at the EMD (916) 875-8440. Please see Mobile Food Facility Forms & Documents for further guidance.​​