Bakersfield
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Bakersfield
Display your permits prominently on your truck while operating.
Ensure your food truck meets sanitation and safety requirements, including handwashing stations and waste disposal.
Pass a health inspection conducted by the Kern County Public Health Department.
Obtain a Mobile Food Vending Permit from the City of Bakersfield.
Avoid operating in restricted areas such as near schools or parks.
Use a licensed commissary kitchen for food preparation and storage.
Complete a food safety certification (e.g., ServSafe) before applying for the permit.
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Bakersfield
Permit Type: Mobile Food Vending Permit, issued by the City of Bakersfield.
Steps to Obtain:
Submit an application to the Bakersfield City Clerk’s office, which includes providing proof of food safety certification.
Pass a health inspection from the Kern County Public Health Department.
Ensure the truck complies with local safety standards and provides documentation for commissary kitchen use.
Pay the necessary application fees.
Display the permit visibly on the food truck while operating.
Renew the permit annually.
Unique Rules:
Bakersfield has specific zones where food trucks are allowed to operate. Zoning rules can restrict food trucks from certain areas, especially near schools or parks.
Vendors may also be required to obtain a Special Event Permit for operating at special events or large gatherings.
Cost of Business Permit
$230
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Bakersfield
Inspections: Food trucks must pass an inspection conducted by the Kern County Public Health Department. Inspections ensure that the truck complies with food safety standards, such as proper refrigeration, cleanliness, and sanitation. The inspection is required annually.
Food Safety Certification: Operators must complete a certified Food Protection Manager course (e.g., ServSafe) before applying for the permit.
Truck-Specific Requirements: Trucks must have an onboard handwashing station, waste disposal systems, and refrigeration for food storage. Trucks must meet other health and sanitation standards as determined by the Kern County Public Health Department.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Bakersfield
Food trucks can operate from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with special permits required for operating after hours or at special events.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Bakersfield
Food trucks with cooking equipment, such as grills or fryers, must schedule an inspection with the Bakersfield Fire Department to ensure compliance with fire safety standards.
Vendors must have fire extinguishers, suppression systems, and meet other local fire safety requirements.
A fire safety certificate may be required before commencing operations.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Bakersfield
Food trucks are prohibited from operating within 500 feet of schools during school hours.
Special permits may be required for food trucks operating in high-traffic areas or during special events such as festivals or concerts.
Vendors must comply with Bakersfield’s zoning laws, which regulate where food trucks can park and operate.
Food trucks are restricted from operating in certain residential and park areas without additional permits.
Vendors are encouraged to check for seasonal restrictions or temporary operating rules, especially during city-wide events or large gatherings.
The information on this page is collected through collaboration with local food truck owners and occasional voluntary submissions from local government and health officials. Food Truck Profit is not a government agency and cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. All food truck owners are strongly encouraged to consult directly with local government officials, including fire and health departments, to ensure compliance with all regulations. Food Truck Profit assumes no liability for errors or omissions in the content provided.