Santa Rosa
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Santa Rosa
Renew permits and inspections annually to maintain operational status.
Comply with zoning, location, and parking regulations, ensuring the food truck operates only in approved areas.
Pass an Annual Health Inspection conducted by the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, Environmental Health Division.
Obtain a Mobile Food Facility Permit from the City of Santa Rosa.
Display all required permits and licenses on the truck while operating.
Register the business with the City of Santa Rosa and obtain a business license.
Complete a Food Safety Certification from a state-approved course.
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Santa Rosa
Mobile Food Facility Permit: To operate a food truck in Santa Rosa, operators must obtain a Mobile Food Facility Permit issued by the City of Santa Rosa. The application process involves submitting an application, providing proof of food safety certification, and passing a health inspection by the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, Environmental Health Division. This permit is required for both stationary and mobile food units and must be renewed annually.
Health Permit: The Sonoma County Department of Health Services, Environmental Health Division, inspects food trucks to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. The inspection covers areas such as food handling, sanitation, equipment, and food storage. The health permit is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Business License: Food truck operators must also obtain a business license from the City of Santa Rosa, which is required to legally operate the business in the city. This license must be renewed annually.
Zoning and Location: Santa Rosa has specific zoning laws that regulate where food trucks can park and operate. Certain areas, such as near schools or residential zones, may have restrictions, and operators must ensure they comply with these local regulations.
Cost of Business Permit
$150
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Santa Rosa
Inspections: All food trucks must undergo an annual health inspection by the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, Environmental Health Division. Inspections assess food storage, cleanliness, sanitation, and the functioning of cooking and refrigeration equipment.
Food Safety Certification: Operators and employees are required to complete a state-approved food safety certification course before applying for the food truck license. The certification must be renewed every 3 years to ensure compliance with food handling and sanitation regulations.
Truck Requirements: Food trucks must have a handwashing station, waste disposal systems, and proper food storage equipment. Additionally, they must operate from a licensed commissary kitchen for food preparation and storage.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Santa Rosa
Food trucks can operate from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., though extended hours may be allowed for special events or in approved food truck zones.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Santa Rosa
Fire Safety Inspection: Food trucks with cooking equipment (such as grills, fryers, or ovens) are required to have a fire safety inspection by the Santa Rosa Fire Department. This inspection ensures the food truck meets fire safety standards, including the installation of fire extinguishers and suppression systems. A fire safety certificate is also required before the truck can start operations.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Santa Rosa
Food trucks are prohibited from operating within 200 feet of schools during school hours.
Special event permits are required for food trucks participating in public events, festivals, or private gatherings.
Vending is allowed in designated food truck zones in Santa Rosa, and operators must comply with the city’s parking and zoning rules.
Food trucks must comply with Santa Rosa Downtown Vendor Permits if operating within the downtown district. This includes a separate permit process, which involves applying through the Downtown Parking District and ensuring the truck is parked in authorized areas.
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.