Irvine, CA Food Truck
Permit Guide 2026
Get your $900-$1,100 (Class A); $600-$800 (Class B); + $200-$400 plan check (new permit) ($900-$1,100 (Class A); $600-$800 (Class B); + $200-$400 plan check (new permit)), business license, commissary agreement & fire inspection in Irvine — complete 2026 guide.
Irvine Food Truck Permit Requirements
Key permits every food truck operator needs before hitting the streets in Irvine.
Health Permit
$900-$1,100 (Class A); $600-$800 (Class B); + $200-$400 plan check (new permit)
Issued by: Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) - Environmental Health Division
Annual fee: $900-$1,100 (Class A); $600-$800 (Class B); + $200-$400 plan check (new permit)
Business License
$75-$200
Required before any commercial food truck operation. Issued by the city clerk or revenue department.
Fire Safety
$50-$100
Covers suppression system, extinguisher certification, and equipment placement. Annual renewal required.
Getting Permitted in Irvine: Step-by-Step
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1
Register your business
Form an LLC or sole proprietorship with CA and obtain your EIN from the IRS. This is required before applying for any permits.
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2
Secure a licensed commissary kitchen
California state law requires all mobile food facilities to operate from a licensed commissary for food prep, cleaning, and storage. Commissary must be approved by OCHCA. You'll need a signed commissary agreement before the health department will approve your application.
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3
Apply for your health permit
Submit your application to the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) - Environmental Health Division with your commissary agreement, equipment list, and menu. Schedule your pre-opening inspection.
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4
Pass your fire inspection
Schedule a $50-$100 inspection. Ensure your suppression system is serviced, extinguisher is current, and propane connections are compliant.
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5
Obtain your business license
Apply for your $75-$200 through the city's business licensing office. Some cities require this before the health permit application.
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6
Get insured
Most Irvine venues and events require proof of general liability insurance ($1M minimum). Commercial auto coverage is also required to operate legally.
$900-$1,100 (Class A); $600-$800 (Class B); + $200-$400 plan check (new permit)
Health Permit
$75-$200
Business License
$50-$100
Fire Inspection
$400-$1,500/mo
Commissary/mo
Commissary Kitchen Requirement in Irvine
Most states and cities require food trucks to operate out of a licensed commissary kitchen. Here's what Irvine operators need to know.
Irvine Commissary Requirement
California state law requires all mobile food facilities to operate from a licensed commissary for food prep, cleaning, and storage. Commissary must be approved by OCHCA. A commissary provides licensed prep space, sanitary storage, and wastewater disposal — all required by health codes before your permit is issued.
What You'll Need
- ✓ Signed commissary agreement
- ✓ Health dept-approved kitchen
- ✓ Dedicated storage space
- ✓ Wastewater dump access
Typical Costs
$400-$1,500/mo
per month (Irvine area)
Shared prep, storage, and dump station included at most facilities.
Find One
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