COMPACT MOBILE FOOD OPERATION (CMFO)

Prepackaged Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO) means an unenclosed mobile food facility that operates from an individual or from a pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, or other nonmotorized conveyance, serving only prepackaged, non-potentially hazardous foods.

Unpackaged Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO) is a non-motorized Mobile Food Facility that is restricted to Limited Food Preparation as defined in the California Retail Food Code section 113818. Examples of menu items that easily fit within Limited Food Preparation include, but are not limited to: hot dogs, shaved ice, roasted nuts, sliced fruit, boiled corn, popcorn, or churros.

If either of the above applies to your planned operation, then your operation may qualify as a CMFO.

View Frequently Asked Questions regarding Compact Mobile Food Operation permitting requirements

MOBILE FOOD FACILITY PREPARATION UNIT (MFF) - Enclosed and Unenclosed Units

Applies to all other types of food preparation activies involving menu items and/or preparation processes that do not qualify as a CMFO.

Read and comply with the applicable reference document to your planned operation.

CMFO: 

• CMFO Construction Guidelines - Prepackaged Non-PHF
• CMFO Construction Guidelines - Unpackaged Food/PHF

MFF Preparation Units:

• Requirements for MFF Preparation Unit (Enclosed and Unenclosed)
• Guidelines for Unenclosed MFF Prep Units

Submit the following:

All Applicants:

• A completed Construction Plan Check/Consultation Application for Mobile Food Facility form,
• One (1) copy of plans drawn to scale with the scale indicated (2 additional sets will be required upon approval of the initial set),
• Equipment specification sheets and other information documents that will ensure compliance with equipment/construction requirements.

CMFO - Prepackaged Non-PHF Applicants:

Click here for the full application packet for CMFO Prepackaged Non-PHF

• CMFO Plan Check Forms for Prepackaged Non-PHF
• Standard Operating Procedures for Prepackaged Non-PHF CMFO

CMFO - Unpackaged Food/PHF Applicants:

Click here for the full application packet for CMFO Unpackaged Food/PHF

• CMFO Plan Check Forms for Unpackaged Food/PHF
• Standard Operating Procedures for Unpackaged Food/PHF CMFO
• Commissary Review Form

MFF Preparation Unit (Enclosed and Unenclosed) Applicants

• Proposed food menu.

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

Plans must be approved prior to beginning construction. The inspector reviewing the plan will contact you with any additional information or forms that may be required, revisions needed, or when your plan is approved.

When construction is complete but before you contact Environmental Health Services for inspection, enclosed Mobile Food Facility Preparation Units must first be approved by Housing and Community Development before they can be permitted to operate.

• Click here for information regarding Housing and Community Development permitting and licensing for enclosed mobile food facilities.

If your Mobile Food Facility is unenclosed, skip to step 6.

Contact us if you have any questions or to schedule an inspection of your Mobile Food Facility prior to opening for business. 

• Review Mobile Food Facility permit requirements prior to scheduling your inspection
• Request a Mobile Food Facility inspection.

This Agency will grant approval to begin operation upon completing a final construction/opening inspection. It is unlawful to begin operation of a new Permanent Food Facility without first receiving approval from this Agency in addition to a valid Health Permit to Operate.

It is unlawful to begin operation of a new or remodeled Mobile Food Facility without first receiving approval from this Agency.

Upon completion of an initial inspection, the inspector will affix a health permit sticker to the vehicle indicating approval to begin use of the vehicle. A paper Health Permit to Operate will be mailed within 2-4 weeks after receiving inspector approval.