San Francisco food truck permits: checklist & costs
What a food truck needs to operate in San Francisco, CA — the approvals, who issues them, typical fees and how often they renew.
Estimated first-year permitting
$1,400–$3,100
Permit checklist
1. Mobile Food Facility Permit
SF Dept. of Public Health · fee varies · renews every year
2. Public Space Permit
SF Public Works · fee varies · renews every year
3. Fire Inspection
SFFD · fee varies · renews every year
Things to know in San Francisco
- · Public-space permits may require public notice or a hearing before approval.
- · Build the notice period into your launch timeline.
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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