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1. What is a food truck?

A food truck is a mobile food vendor including a catering truck or other self-contained mobile unit moved by motorized or non-motorized means from which edible items and beverages are sold.

2. What licenses are required to operate a food truck in Poway?

Operating a food truck in Poway requires a City-issued solicitor’s license for the business and a solicitor’s ID card for each employee who works in the vehicle. Each applicant will be required to pass a background check. A City of Poway business certificate is not required when you have a Poway solicitor’s license. If operating a food truck in a City park or facility with an approved permit issued from the Community Services Department, only a business certificate is required along with insurance that meets the City’s standards. Adherence with the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health is also required. The County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health administers a mobile food facility inspection program with a grading system. For more information about this program visit their Environmental Health - Mobile Food Program website

Environmental Health - Mobile Food Program

3. How do I obtain a solicitor’s license or solicitor ID cards?

Schedule Appointment: Call (858) 668-4401 or email customerservices@poway.org to setup an appointment.

Complete Application: Applications for solicitor’s license and/or ID cards can be downloaded from the Customer Services Regulatory Licenses webpage.

Day of Appointment: Applications must be submitted in person to the Customer Services office located in City Hall, 13325 Civic Center Drive. Each applicant will be fingerprinted during the appointment. Applicants must bring to the appointment:
• Valid California Driver’s License
• Proof of insurance for vehicle
• current Health Permit issued by the County of San Diego

4. How long does it take to obtain a solicitor’s license or solicitor ID cards?

Although the City is committed to expediting your application, the background check conducted by the Department of Justice and the Sheriff’s Department could take up to 30 days. Once the City receives information from these agencies, your application will be processed within 3 business days.

5. How much does a solicitor's license and ID card cost?

Solicitor’s licenses and solicitor’s ID cards cost $50 each for the first two years (this cost includes fingerprinting) and $20 to renew every two years thereafter. Solicitor’s licenses are also subject to a mandated state fee of $4.

6. Are food truck events such as food truck rallies allowed in Poway?

Yes. Participants of food truck events must obtain and display a solicitor’s license and solicitor’s ID cards.

Event organizers must obtain a Temporary Use Permit (TUP). For information about TUPs please contact Development Services at (858) 668-4656.

7. Are food trucks allowed in the business park?

Yes, provided the property owner has given permission to operate on the property. In addition, the food truck business must have a City-issued solicitor’s license and each employee must have a solicitor’s ID card.

On-street parking is prohibited in the business park.

8. Where can food trucks operate?

Food trucks may operate any place where they can legally park and on private property with permission from the property owner. In addition, the business must have a City-issued solicitor’s license and each employee must have a solicitor’s ID card.

There is no on-street parking in the business park. Parking spots cannot be reserved or blocked to hold a spot for a food truck.

9. Can I operate a food truck in a park?

Food trucks are permitted in City parks in the following instances only:

The City’s Community Services Department invites food truck to participate in special events. Food truck operators participating in events are required to have a business certificate and insurance that meets the City’s standards.

A food truck has been contracted for catering services by a private rental client with an approved facility rental. Vending is restricted to the permitted rental group. For detailed information about catering in a City park, please contact the Community Services Department at (858) 668-4595.

10. Can I sell at a city special event?

By invitation, food trucks may participate in events. The fee for participation is 15% of gross revenue from that event.

Food truck operators are required to have a business certificate and insurance that meets the City’s standards. Park staff will provide additional direction on where to park.

11. Can I cater a private event?

Yes. Food truck operators are required to have a business certificate to cater in Poway. To learn more about obtaining a business certificate please visit the Business Certificate webpage. Business Certificates

12. Can I sell on private property (e.g. shopping center or church)?

Yes. Food truck operators must have a solicitor’s license and each employee must have a solicitor’s ID card. In addition, permission must be obtained from the property owner.

13. Can I become a vendor at the Poway Farmers Market?

Yes. To operate at the Poway Farmers Market, the business must have a solicitor’s license and each employee must have a solicitor’s ID card. The fee to participate is 9% of gross revenue. The fee is paid to the Market Manager.

For more information or to apply to become a market vendor please contact the market manager by email at outbackfarm@sbcglobal.net.