How to Get a Food Truck Permit in Bakersfield (2026 Guide)

Operating a food truck in Bakersfield, California requires navigating permits from Kern County Environmental Health Services as well as state and local business licensing. This guide covers every step to legally operate in Bakersfield.

Core Permits & Licenses

1. Mobile Food Facility Permit (Kern County EHS)

The Kern County Environmental Health Services (EHS) issues the Mobile Food Facility (MFF) Permit under the California Retail Food Code — your primary operating credential in Bakersfield and Kern County.

• Application with commissary agreement and CRFC-compliant equipment list
• Plan review for new builds
• Pre-opening inspection
• Annual renewal — fee: $300–$600

Renew annually. Kern County EHS inspects throughout the year.

2. Bakersfield Business License

All businesses operating in Bakersfield must hold a City of Bakersfield Business License. Apply through the Bakersfield Finance Department.

3. California Seller's Permit (CDTFA)

Register with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration to collect CA sales tax. Free online registration.

4. Commissary Agreement

California CRFC requires daily commissary return for prep, cleaning, and storage. Your commissary must also hold a Kern County EHS permit.

Health & Food Safety

• CFPM required: At least one Certified Food Protection Manager per truck — mandatory in CA.
• Temperature control: Cold ≤41°F, hot ≥135°F.
• Summer heat: Bakersfield regularly exceeds 105°F in summer — proper truck ventilation, shade, and generator cooling are critical.
• Three-compartment sink and handwash sink: Both required and must be separate.
• Fresh/waste water tanks: Waste tank must be 15% larger than fresh water capacity.

Where You Can Operate in Bakersfield

• Downtown Bakersfield and Mill Creek area: Growing food truck presence around the arts district.
• Private property: Very common around oil industry campuses, industrial parks, and commercial lots.
• Mechanics Bank Arena events: Concerts and events at the arena draw large crowds.
• Spring and fall are best: Bakersfield's summer heat drives outdoor food traffic down. March–May and September–November are peak operating months.

Fees & Timeline

Timeline: 6–10 weeks. California plan review adds 4–6 weeks for new builds.

Operator Tips

• Oil and ag workforce: Kern County's economy is rooted in oil and agriculture — large shift-work populations create strong early-morning and lunch demand.
• Basque food culture: Bakersfield has a historically strong Basque community — lean into regional culinary heritage for differentiation.
• Buck Owens Crystal Palace: Music venue with active event calendar — food vendor partnerships available.
• Plan around heat: Route your business model around cooler months and catering/events for summer survival.