What to do
1. Apply for a health permit
Start your application for a health permit
If you are operating a food or beverage booth you apply as a temporary food facility
If you are operating a food truck or food cart you apply as a mobile food facility
Food trucks: If you do not already have a San Francisco mobile food facility permit, you will be charged an extra fee.
2. Prepare to meet all food safety requirements
Unless your food is completely wrapped, you need a fully screened booth. Your booth must have:
- Handwashing area
- A place for washing and sanitizing utensils
- Equipment to keep foods at safe temperatures
You are responsible for following health and safety codes. Your booth or cart may be inspected at any time.
Use our food safety checklist to help organize your efforts.
Get other approvals as needed
Get other approvals as needed
You may need permits or approval from other agencies for the following cases:
Cooking, open flame, generator use
SF Fire Department
415-558-3303
Sidewalk use
SF Department of Public Works
415-554-5810
Alcohol sales
State ABC
415-356-6500
Public property use
SF Police Department
415-553-1115
Park property use
SF Recreation and Parks
415-831-5500
Body modification (body art) permits
SF Public Health
415-252-3971
Recycling, composting, trash
Recology
415-554-3434
Special cases
Lower fees for qualifying nonprofits
Lower fees for qualifying nonprofits
If you are a nonprofit, you may qualify for lower event costs. Find out if you qualify.
Get help
Temporary Events program
Phone
Department of Public Health
Environmental Health BranchAttention: Temporary Events program
49 South Van Ness Avenue
Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94103
Last updated February 13, 2024