Costa Mesa
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Costa Mesa
Renew your business license and mobile food vendor permit annually.
Ensure compliance with Fire Safety Regulations, including fire extinguishers and suppression systems for cooking equipment.
Complete a Food Safety Certification course recognized by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Obtain a Business License from the City of Costa Mesa.
Adhere to zoning and location restrictions, particularly near schools, parks, or residential areas.
Pass an Annual Health Inspection conducted by the Costa Mesa Health Department or the Orange County Health Care Agency.
Apply for a Mobile Food Vendor Permit from the Costa Mesa Health Department (or Orange County Health Care Agency).
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Costa Mesa
Required Permits:
Business License – Food truck operators in Costa Mesa must obtain a business license from the City of Costa Mesa’s Finance Department.
Mobile Food Vendor Permit – Issued by the Costa Mesa Health Department (or Orange County Health Care Agency), this permit is required for operating a mobile food unit within Costa Mesa.
Steps for Obtaining Permits:
Business License – Submit an application to the City of Costa Mesa’s Finance Department, including required documents and fees.
Mobile Food Vendor Permit – Apply for a permit through the Costa Mesa Health Department or Orange County Health Care Agency, which may require documents such as food safety certification, business insurance, and compliance with vehicle health standards.
Health Inspection – Schedule and pass an inspection with the Costa Mesa Health Department or Orange County Health Care Agency to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Fire Safety Inspection – Food trucks using cooking equipment must pass a fire safety inspection by the Costa Mesa Fire Department. Fire extinguishers and suppression systems must meet local fire safety codes.
Unique Rules/Conditions:
Food trucks in Costa Mesa must comply with specific zoning regulations that may restrict operations near schools, parks, or residential areas. Temporary permits may be required for special events or temporary operations at approved locations.
Cost of Business Permit
$200
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Costa Mesa
Inspections:
Food trucks must pass an annual health inspection conducted by the Costa Mesa Health Department or the Orange County Health Care Agency. Inspections check for food handling, storage, sanitation, waste disposal, and equipment standards.
Food Safety Certification:
Operators are required to complete a Food Safety Certification course recognized by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to ensure compliance with safe food handling and sanitation practices.
Truck-Specific Requirements:
Food trucks must have handwashing stations, adequate waste disposal systems, refrigeration for food storage, and must comply with health codes for cooking equipment and sanitation.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Costa Mesa
Food trucks in Costa Mesa are typically allowed to operate with special permits required for operating during extended hours or at temporary event locations. No vending shall be permitted by any operator or conducted by any vendor on a residential street except between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Costa Mesa
Fire Safety Inspections:
Food trucks using grills, fryers, or propane tanks must undergo a fire safety inspection conducted by the Costa Mesa Fire Department. The truck must comply with local fire codes, including fire extinguishers, suppression systems, and other safety equipment. A fire safety certificate is required for trucks with cooking equipment.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Costa Mesa
Zoning and Location:
Food trucks in Costa Mesa must comply with local zoning laws, which may limit operations near schools, parks, or residential zones. Operators should verify with the Costa Mesa Planning Division or Health Department for approved locations.
Special Events:
Additional permits may be required for food trucks operating at special events, fairs, or festivals. These permits may have specific rules for location, hours of operation, and health and safety compliance.
Temporary Operations:
For temporary or pop-up operations, additional temporary permits may be required. These permits specify location, operating hours, and health and fire safety compliance for temporary operations at approved locations.
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.