SFDPH Mobile Food Facility permit (food truck / cart): San Francisco restaurant guide
SF Department of Public Health — Environmental Health
What it is
Health permit and decal for a truck, trailer or push cart that operates out of a commissary or permanent food facility; DPH plan-checks the unit and issues the Certificate of Sanitation that Public Works requires.
When a restaurant needs it
Operating any food truck or cart in San Francisco, on streets or private property.
How to apply
Submit the mobile food plan check for the unit, show the commissary agreement and a restroom-access letter from a business within 200 feet of the vending spot, pass the unit inspection, then get the DPH decal.
Documents you’ll need
- Unit plans/specs and photos
- Commissary agreement
- Restroom verification letter (within 200 ft)
- Menu
- Business Account Number
Good to know
Program email: mobilefood@sfdph.org. The SFFD also inspects the unit (propane, generators, suppression) and issues its own decal before Public Works finalizes the location permit.
Official source
SFDPH — guide to health permits for mobile food facilities · EHB fee schedule FY 2025-26
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.