Mobile Food Facility Health Permitting

This service allows you to apply for or renew a permit to operate a Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO) or Mobile Food facility Preparation Unit (MFF) within San Luis Obispo County.

What is the process?

Apply for a consultation or construction permit

A health permit to operate a Mobile Food Facility will not be issued unless all construction and operational requirements are met.

Prior to being issued a health permit to operate a Mobile Food Facility, all Mobile Food Facilities must undergo an initial consultation or construction plan check.

It is unlawful to build a Mobile Food Facility without prior written approval from this office.

If you have already been working with this Agency and have already completed a construction plan check or consultation for your Mobile Food Facility and an inspector has determined that the Mobile Food Facility is eligible for health permitting, please proceed to step 2.

If you are considering a Mobile Food Facility for purchase, consult the resource material below to ensure it will meet the requirements. Please note a Housing and Community Development (HCD) certification is required for all occupiable MFFs, including those previously certified that have been modified or remodeled since the last certification date.

A prospective new owner is encouraged to contact our Agency with questions prior to purchasing or constructing any Mobile Food Facility. Additional consultation or construction plan check requirements will be determined during that time.

 

Submit the required forms

FIRST TIME APPLICANT INITIAL PERMIT APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL FORMS

Complete and submit the following items listed below.

Individual forms can be downloaded below:

1. Health permit application

2. Proposed menu and food service operations

3. Mobile Food Facility Commissary Review/Needs Assessment Form

All mobile food facilities must operate in conjunction with a commissary, mobile support unit, or other facility approved by Environmental Health Services to store all food and equipment and perform all food preparation activities. All mobile food facilities must report to the commissary on a daily basis for cleaning and servicing.

The commissary will be reviewed for approval by this department prior to granting a permit to operate. The proposed menu and food operations will determine the commissary needs of the mobile food facility operator. 

*Exemptions apply for mobile food facilities operating in conjunction with a permitted mobile support unit.  please contact our office at (805) 781-5544 for more information on mobile support unit permitting.

4. Commissary Use Agreement Form

A use agreement form completed and signed by both the permit holder of the commissary and the mobile food facility permit holder is required. 

Please note, if you are the permit holder for both the mobile food facility and the commissary, then this submission of a signed commissary form is not required. 

5. Written Operational Procedures for Mobile Food Facility Operators

6. Restroom Use Agreement form

Mobile Food Facilities which stop at a single location for one hour or more are required to secure restroom facilities for use by employees.  A separate form is required for each location as applicable.

7. Written Operational Procedures for Mobile Support Units (as applicable)

If your planned operation will depend on a Mobile Support Unit (MSU) for daily servicing then additional Written Operational Procedures are required in addition to a separate health permit to operate a Mobile Support Unit.

 

EXISTING PERMIT HOLDERS ANNUAL RENEWAL FORMS

Complete and submit the following items listed below.

Individual forms can be downloaded below:

1. Mobile Food Facility Annual Update Form

2. Proposed menu and food service operations

Provide proof of food safety certification

  • All Mobile Food Facilities where nonprepackaged potentially hazardous foods are handled and/or served must have at least one owner or employee who has successfully passed a food safety certification course.

 

  • Proof of certification shall be provided upon request for a permit to operate or within 60 days of obtaining a permit to operate.

 

Pay the health permit fee

The permit fee is due with the application. Please refer to the Environmental Health Permit Fee Schedule for more information.

Receive Written Approval To Begin Operation

After steps 1 - 4 have been completed, contact us to schedule an inspection. It is encouraged to have the inspection occur at the commissary or operating location, however, if this is not possible, other arrangements can be made.

Upon completion of a passing inspection, a permit sticker will be affixed to the exterior of the Mobile Food Facility.  Please note, it is unlawful to operate a Mobile Food Facility without the health permit sticker affixed to the exterior.  Additionally, a paper version of the health permit will be mailed out 2-4 weeks after payment has been made and approval to operate has been granted by the inspector.

Who is eligible?

This service is available to all businesses wishing to obtain an initial permit or renew a permit for a Mobile Food facility to be operated within San Luis Obispo County.

Is there a charge for this service?

Please refer to our Fee Schedule or contact our office at (805) 781-5544.

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.

Please visit us, email us, contact us, or call our office to begin the process.

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

Monday - Friday 8-5


2156 Sierra Way Suite B
San Luis Obispo , CA 93401

Tel: (805) 781-5544

Fax: (805) 781-4211