Santa Maria
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Santa Maria
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Santa Maria
Required Permits:
Business License – Food truck operators in Santa Maria must obtain a business license from the City of Santa Maria’s Business License Division.
Mobile Food Vendor Permit – Issued by the Santa Barbara County Health Department, this permit is required for food trucks operating within Santa Maria.
Steps for Obtaining Permits:
Business License – Apply through the City of Santa Maria's Business License Division, submitting the necessary documentation and fees.
Mobile Food Vendor Permit – Apply for a Mobile Food Vendor Permit from the Santa Barbara County Health Department, providing documentation such as food safety certification, business insurance, and compliance with local health regulations.
Health Inspection – Schedule and pass an inspection with the Santa Barbara County Health Department to ensure compliance with food safety regulations, including sanitation, food storage, and waste disposal.
Fire Safety Inspection – Food trucks must undergo a fire safety inspection by the Santa Maria Fire Department. This includes ensuring fire extinguishers, suppression systems, and safety measures are in place to meet local fire safety codes.
Unique Rules/Conditions:
Food trucks must comply with Santa Maria's zoning regulations, which may restrict where they can operate, especially near schools, parks, or residential areas. Special permits may be required for operating at temporary or special event locations.
Cost of Business Permit
$273
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Santa Maria
Inspections:
Food trucks in Santa Maria must pass an annual health inspection conducted by the Santa Barbara County Health Department. Inspections include food handling, sanitation, food storage, and waste disposal.
Food Safety Certification:
Operators are required to complete a Food Safety Certification course approved by the State of California to ensure they follow safe food handling practices.
Truck-Specific Requirements:
Food trucks must have functioning handwashing stations, waste disposal systems, refrigeration for food storage, and comply with safety standards for cooking equipment.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Santa Maria
Santa Maria, California does not allow catering vehicles to sell food between 6 p.m and 7 a.m. Extended hours may apply for special events or temporary locations with the appropriate permit.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Santa Maria
Fire Safety Inspections:
Food trucks using cooking equipment such as grills, fryers, or propane tanks must pass a fire safety inspection conducted by the Santa Maria Fire Department. A fire safety certificate is required to ensure that fire extinguishers and suppression systems are properly installed and meet local fire safety codes.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Santa Maria
Zoning and Location:
Food trucks in Santa Maria must comply with local zoning laws, which may restrict where food trucks can operate, particularly near schools, parks, and residential areas. Operators should check with the City of Santa Maria to ensure they are in an approved location.
Special Events:
Additional permits are required for food trucks operating at special events, fairs, or festivals in Santa Maria. These permits may include specific rules for hours of operation, location restrictions, and health and safety compliance.
Temporary Operations:
Food trucks operating temporarily at events or pop-up locations must obtain additional permits. These permits typically specify location, hours, and health and fire safety requirements for the event.
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.
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