If your community event is serving or selling food, the participating event organizer and temporary food facilities, including food booths, trucks and carts, are required to obtain a Community Event/Seasonal Event Permit from Environmental Health and be in compliance with the California Retail Food Code (Cal Code). The Environmental Health Division has prepared the Health Code Requirements for Community Events in LA County for event organizers and food service operators. We have also developed the Community Event Requirements Checklist as an overview of the responsibilities of temporary food facilities and event organizers. Below are links and information on the permit process for Community Events.

Event Organizer

The event organizer is responsible for the complete and timely submission of a Community Event Organizer Application and all the applications for temporary food facilities at least 30 days prior to the start of the event.

Temporary Food Facilities

Temporary food facilities (TFF) that participate at community events include food booths, food carts and food trucks. TFFs must complete the Community Event Temporary Food Facility Application and, if applicable, the Agreement for Sharing of a Permitted Food Facility.

Where to Apply and Pay for a Permit

To obtain a food permit for a community event, the completed application may be submitted for review to the local District Office with jurisdiction over the location of the event. Please see the List of District Offices. Fees must be paid at the time the application is submitted. The Community Event Fee Schedule provides additional information regarding fee payment.

Mobile Food Facilities (MFF)

Food trucks and food carts with a current Los Angeles County Permit may, if approved by the event organizer, participate at any community event. MFFs not currently permitted by Los Angeles County must obtain a permit by submitting a Community Event Temporary Food Facility Application.

Exemptions From Permit Fees and/or Cal Code

To request a permit fee or Cal Code exemption, please complete the Exemption Certification for Community Events. The completed application may be submitted by email or fax to the Division Community Event Coordinator at communityevents@ph.lacounty.gov at least 30 days before start of the event. Within 10 calendar days, the coordinator will contact you and advise if you meet the exemption requirements.

Expedited Processing Fee

Due to the time required to process and review a community event application, all applicants are encouraged to submit their applications at least 30 days prior to the start of the event. Any application submitted less than 14 calendar days prior to the start of the event (including those requesting a fee exemption) will be subject to an additional expedited processing fee equal to the greater of $50.00 or 25% of the permit fee.

Resources and Additional Information

Health Code Requirements for Community Events in LA County

Community Event Requirements Checklist

For further inquiries regarding community events, please contact the District Office in your area.