Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Pomona
Display all required permits and licenses visibly on the truck.
Adhere to Pomona's Sidewalk Vendor Ordinance for location and operational rules.
Pass an annual health inspection conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH).
Obtain a Mobile Food Facility Permit from the City of Pomona.
Renew your Mobile Food Facility Permit annually.
Ensure the food truck operates from a licensed commissary kitchen for food storage and preparation.
Complete a Food Safety Manager Certification course approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Pomona
Mobile Food Facility Permit: To operate a food truck in Pomona, food truck operators must obtain a Mobile Food Facility Permit from the City of Pomona.
Steps to Obtain: Submit an application to the City of Pomona, provide proof of liability insurance, undergo a background check, and pass an inspection by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH). Operators must also complete a Food Safety Manager Certification course approved by the California Department of Public Health.
Unique Rules: Pomona has a Sidewalk Vendor Ordinance which governs food trucks and sidewalk vending. Operators must ensure compliance with specific zoning regulations, including where food trucks can park and operate. Restrictions exist near schools, parks, and other public spaces. Special permits may be required for vending in specific areas or events.
Cost of Business Permit
$450
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Pomona
Inspections: Food trucks in Pomona must undergo an annual health inspection by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH). The inspection covers food safety practices such as food storage, cleanliness, refrigeration, cooking appliances, and waste disposal systems.
Food Safety Manager Certification: Operators are required to complete a Food Safety Manager Certification from an approved course by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to ensure they have the necessary knowledge of food handling and safety.
Truck-Specific Requirements: Food trucks must have handwashing stations, waste disposal systems, and comply with sanitation and refrigeration requirements. Trucks must operate from a licensed commissary kitchen where food is stored and prepared.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Pomona
Food trucks in Pomona are allowed to operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Special permits are required for operating beyond these hours or in specific areas.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Pomona
Fire Inspections: Food trucks that use cooking equipment (e.g., grills, fryers, or propane tanks) must undergo fire inspections by the Pomona Fire Department.
Food trucks are required to have proper fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, and meet fire safety standards based on local regulations.
A fire safety certificate may be required if the truck uses open flames or potentially hazardous equipment.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Pomona
Sidewalk Vendor Ordinance: Pomona’s Sidewalk Vendor Ordinance sets forth rules for operating food trucks, including regulations regarding where food trucks can park, the hours they can operate, and the need for special permits in certain areas. Operators must ensure they are in compliance with this ordinance to avoid fines or penalties.
SB 1383 – Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction: Pomona also adheres to California’s SB 1383 regulations for climate pollutant reduction, requiring businesses, including food trucks, to manage and reduce waste, particularly organic waste. This law includes the need for composting and waste diversion programs.
Location and Zoning Restrictions: Food trucks are generally prohibited from operating near schools, parks, or residential zones unless granted special permission. Specific areas in Pomona are designated for food trucks, and operators should confirm parking and operational zones with the City of Pomona’s Business Licensing Department.
Special Event Permits: Food trucks wishing to operate at special events, festivals, or in specific locations like downtown Pomona must apply for additional event permits. These permits often include specific operational guidelines, fees, and location requirements.
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.