Mobile Food Vending Permits

Oakland was one of the first cities in the country to create a mobile food vending permit program. Over fifteen years later, mobile food vending has grown in popularity and diversity, both locally and nationwide. The City revised its regulations in 2017 to keep up with these changes and increase opportunities for entrepreneurs to start a new food vending business, while protecting the health, safety, comfort, convenience, and general welfare of the community.

We are not accepting applications for new mobile food vending permits at this time. Please check this page later for updates.

The Oakland Fire Department inspects all food trucks and commissary trucks for gas systems and fire prevention safety measures. Vendors must apply with the Department of Fire Prevention for an inspection and Fire Clearance. Schedule a Fire Safety Inspection.

To see a map of the permitted food vending areas for non-sidewalk vendors, with buffer distances from schools, restaurants and other vendors, click here. (Put a check in the box for "Food Vending" in the "layer list" on the right side of the screen). For sidewalk vendors, refer to the map and rules in the Administrative Guidelines.

To read the adopted ordinance, click here.