Riverside
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Riverside
• Display all required permits visibly on your truck during operations.
• Ensure your food truck complies with Riverside’s fire safety regulations, including inspections and required equipment.
• Complete a food safety certification course before submitting your application.
• Obtain a Mobile Food Vendor Permit from the City of Riverside.
• Follow local zoning regulations to ensure you are operating in authorized locations.
• Register for a California Sales Tax Permit to collect sales tax.
• Pass a health inspection conducted by the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health.
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Riverside
In Riverside, California, food trucks are required to acquire the following permits to operate:
Mobile Food Vendor Permit: This permit is issued by the City of Riverside and is required for operating a food truck within city limits.
Health Permit: A health inspection by the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health is required to ensure that the food truck meets food safety standards.
California Sales Tax Permit: Issued by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), this permit allows food trucks to collect sales tax on food sold.
Commissary Kitchen: Food trucks must use a licensed commissary kitchen for food storage and preparation.
Steps for Obtaining Permits:
Submit a Mobile Food Vendor application to the City of Riverside.
Pass a health inspection conducted by the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health.
Provide proof of using a licensed commissary kitchen.
Obtain a California Sales Tax Permit from the CDTFA.
Schedule a fire safety inspection if your truck uses cooking equipment.
Unique Conditions: Riverside has zoning restrictions that limit where food trucks can operate, especially near schools, parks, and residential areas. Special event permits are required for trucks operating in certain high-traffic areas.
Cost of Business Permit
$420
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Riverside
Inspections: Food trucks must pass an annual health inspection by the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health. The inspection covers food safety, cleanliness, and equipment standards such as refrigeration and cooking appliances.
Food Safety Certifications: Operators are required to complete an approved food safety certification course before applying for the Mobile Food Vendor Permit.
Truck-Specific Requirements:
A handwashing station with hot and cold running water must be available in the truck.
Waste disposal systems, including grease and sewage disposal, must be in place.
Food must be prepared and stored in a licensed commissary kitchen.
Temperature-controlled storage is required for both hot and cold food.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Riverside
Food trucks are permitted to operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with some flexibility for extended hours in designated entertainment or business districts.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Riverside
Food trucks using cooking equipment such as grills, fryers, or propane must undergo a fire safety inspection conducted by the Riverside Fire Department. The fire department requires food trucks to have fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, and proper ventilation. A fire safety certificate is required before operating.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Riverside
Riverside imposes zoning restrictions, including limitations on where food trucks can operate, especially near schools, parks, and other sensitive locations.
Food trucks must comply with Riverside's parking regulations, including the prohibition of parking in residential areas.
Special event permits are required for food trucks participating in large public gatherings or festivals.
Vendors are encouraged to check the city's event schedule for additional permitting requirements in entertainment districts or during seasonal events.
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.