San Diego food truck permits: checklist & costs

What a food truck needs to operate in San Diego, CA — the approvals, who issues them, typical fees and how often they renew.

Estimated first-year permitting

$1,000–$2,200

Permit checklist

  1. 1. Mobile Food Facility Permit

    San Diego County Health · fee varies · renews every year

  2. 2. Site Approval

    City of San Diego · fee varies · renews every year

  3. 3. Fire Inspection

    San Diego Fire-Rescue · fee varies · renews every year

Things to know in San Diego

  • · County health permit plus a separate site approval for where you park.
  • · Each approved site may need its own sign-off.

Costs are planning ranges compiled from published fee schedules — not quotes. Fees, categories and timelines change, so verify locally with the issuing agency before you budget or apply.

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