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

Operating a food truck in Long Beach, California requires navigating permits from Los Angeles County Department of Public Health as well as state and local business licensing. This guide covers every step to legally operate in Long Beach.

Core Permits & Licenses

1. Mobile Food Facility Permit (LA County Dept of Public Health)

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issues the Mobile Food Facility (MFF) Permit — even for Long Beach, which contracts health services through LA County. This is your primary operating credential.

• Application with commissary agreement and CRFC-compliant equipment list
• Plan review for new builds
• Pre-opening inspection
• Annual renewal — fee: $400–$800 (LA County fees are significant)

Renew annually. LA County DPH inspects throughout the year.

2. Long Beach Business License

All businesses operating in Long Beach must hold a City of Long Beach Business License. Apply through the Business License Division.

3. California Seller's Permit (CDTFA)

Register with CDTFA to collect CA sales tax. Free online registration.

4. Commissary Agreement

CA CRFC requires daily commissary return for prep, cleaning, and storage. Commissary must hold its own LA County DPH MFF permit.

Health & Food Safety

• CFPM required: At least one Certified Food Protection Manager per truck — CA mandatory.
• Temperature control: Cold ≤41°F, hot ≥135°F.
• Three-compartment sink and handwash sink: Both required and must be separate.
• Fresh/waste water tanks: Waste tank 15% larger than fresh water capacity.
• Commissary daily check-in: LA County DPH inspectors verify commissary logs — maintain them meticulously.

Where You Can Operate in Long Beach

• Retro Row (4th St): Long Beach's arts and vintage corridor — strong local foot traffic especially on weekends.
• East Village Arts District: Active arts scene with brewery partnerships (Beachwood, Smog City) and private property opportunities.
• Belmont Shore / 2nd Street: Beach community dining corridor with weekend crowds.
• Port of Long Beach: One of the busiest ports in the US — large port worker workforce with strong weekday lunch demand.

Fees & Timeline

Timeline: 8–14 weeks. LA County plan review is among the most rigorous in California.

Operator Tips

• LA County MFF is your regional passport: One permit covers unincorporated LA County and most contract cities — just add city business licenses as you expand.
• Off The Grid LA: OTG operates markets in Long Beach and throughout LA — getting into rotation provides immediate foot traffic.
• Port workforce: Logistics, shipping, and port workers create consistent weekday demand near the port area.
• Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach: April IndyCar race brings massive crowds — event vendor permits are competitive but lucrative.