Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Irvine
Display all required permits on your truck at all times.
Use a licensed commissary kitchen for food preparation and storage.
Pass a health inspection covering food storage, equipment, and sanitation standards.
Obtain a Mobile Food Facility Permit from the County of Orange Health Care Agency (OCHCA).
Ensure your truck complies with all local zoning and parking restrictions.
Secure a Business License from the City of Irvine’s Finance Department.
Complete a Certified Food Safety Manager Course before applying for a permit.
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Irvine
In Irvine, California, food trucks need several permits to operate:
Mobile Food Facility Permit: Issued by the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA). This involves submitting an application, passing a health inspection, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
Business License: Issued by the City of Irvine’s Finance Department. All businesses operating in the city must obtain this.
Location Permit: Food trucks must comply with local zoning and parking restrictions, which may include permits for specific locations.
Food Safety Certification: Operators must complete a Certified Food Safety Manager Course to ensure food handling and safety standards are met.
Cost of Business Permit
$246
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Irvine
Food trucks in Irvine must meet the following health-related standards:
Inspections: Health inspections are conducted by OCHCA. Inspections occur annually and cover food safety, cleanliness, and equipment standards, including food storage, refrigeration, and cooking appliances.
Food Safety Certification: Operators are required to complete a Certified Food Safety Manager Course before applying for a permit.
Truck-Specific Requirements: Trucks must include onboard handwashing stations, waste disposal systems, and must prepare food in a licensed commissary kitchen. They must also meet sanitation standards for all food contact surfaces.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Irvine
Food trucks are allowed to operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Local zoning regulations may impose further restrictions, such as not operating near residential areas during certain hours.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Irvine
Fire inspections are required for trucks with cooking equipment, such as propane tanks, grills, or fryers. The Irvine Fire Department conducts these inspections.
Vendors must ensure they have fire extinguishers, suppression systems, and meet all local fire safety standards. A fire safety certificate may be required before operations.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Irvine
Zoning restrictions: Food trucks must comply with local zoning codes. They may not operate near schools or residential areas during certain hours without a permit.
Restricted zones: Food trucks are prohibited from operating in specific areas without prior approval, such as high-traffic districts or near events.
Special permits: Additional permits may be required for events, fairs, or festivals hosted in Irvine, especially for extended hours.
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.