State Commissary rules · California
California (statewide) commissary requirements for food trucks and carts
The short answer from California Retail Food Code (CalCode), enforced by county environmental health departments: Yes. CalCode requires mobile food facilities to operate out of an approved commissary or other approved facility.
- Commissary needed?
- Yes. CalCode requires mobile food facilities to operate out of an approved commissary or other approved facility.
- How often
- County guidance (Sonoma County, citing CalCode §§114295, 114326): report to the commissary at least once each operating day for cleaning and servicing, and store the unit there.
- Paperwork
- Each county has its own commissary agreement or letter, signed by the commissary owner.
- Storage
- Units are stored at the commissary or another approved facility; LA County states home storage of the unit or food is not approved.
Confirm with California Retail Food Code (CalCode). This page summarises the official documents listed under Sources.
Other things to know
- Rules are applied county by county; a permit from one county does not cover another.
- A permitted restaurant or market can often serve as a commissary once the county approves it.
- Compact Mobile Food Operations (CMFOs) and cottage operations follow separate rules.
Local rules in California
- Los Angeles CountyCounty rules
- Orange CountyCounty rules
- Riverside CountyCounty rules
- San Bernardino CountyCounty rules
- Sacramento CountyCounty rules
- Alameda CountyCounty rules
- Sonoma CountyCounty rules
- Marin CountyCounty rules
- San Luis Obispo CountyCounty rules
- San Diego CountyCounty rules
11 kitchens covered by these rules
- 1004 Shary Cir., Concord, CA 94518Food truck commissaryRentable prep kitchenMFF truck commissary and commercial kitchen
- 3300 Giant Rd., San Pablo, CA 94806Food truck commissaryRentable prep kitchenMFF truck commissary and commercial kitchen
- 107 S. Linden Ave., South San Francisco, CA 94080Food truck commissaryMFF truck commissary
- 1670 Roger Ave., San Jose, CA 95112Food truck commissaryMFF truck commissary
- 660 E. Gish Rd., San Jose, CA 95112Food truck commissaryMFF truck commissary
- 326 Shaw Rd., South San Francisco, CA 94080Food truck commissaryMFF truck commissary
- 2440 S. Airport Way, Stockton, CA 95206Food truck commissaryStockton-area commissary; may be approved depending on where the unit operates
- 730 S. California St, Stockton, CA 95240Servicing only (water / waste)Stockton-area commissary; may be approved depending on where the unit operates
- 1301 S. Sacramento St, Lodi, CA 95240Food truck commissaryStockton-area commissary; may be approved depending on where the unit operates
- 2900 E. Harding Way, Stockton, CA 95205Food truck commissaryStockton-area commissary; may be approved depending on where the unit operates
- 3588 E. Carpenter Rd, Stockton, CA 95205Ice cream / prepackaged unitsStockton-area commissary; may be approved depending on where the unit operates
Questions people ask
Do I need a commissary for a food truck in California (statewide)?
Yes. CalCode requires mobile food facilities to operate out of an approved commissary or other approved facility.
How often do I have to go to the commissary?
County guidance (Sonoma County, citing CalCode §§114295, 114326): report to the commissary at least once each operating day for cleaning and servicing, and store the unit there.
What paperwork does California (statewide) want?
Each county has its own commissary agreement or letter, signed by the commissary owner.
Where do I find a commissary in California (statewide)?
We list 11 kitchens covered by these rules, below.
Sources
- Summary of Mobile Food Facility Regulations (Sonoma County EH)
- Orange County commissary bulletin citing H&S Code §114295
Last checked September 29, 2026.