Kern County, CA

A community event is a gathering that’s open to the public and involves giving away or selling food or drinks.

Examples include:

• County fairs
• City festivals
• School events
• Parades
• Fundraisers
• Farmers markets
• Swap meets
• Circuses

These events are civic, political, public, or educational in nature and cannot last more than 25 days within a 90-day period at the same location.

Resources

• Online Application Portal
• Deadlines
• Community Event Application Step by Step Guide
• Community Event Guidelines
• Map Example
• Exemption from Permit Fees Form
• Exemption from Permit Fees Form Example
• Veteran Exemption from Permit Fees Form

Community Even

Some events don’t need this type of permit. These include:

• A business grand opening
• Church or religious events that are not open to the public (only for members or guests)
• Private events such as weddings or birthdays
• Gatherings of permitted food trucks/trailers that are permitted as Mobile Food Facilities.  These are the trucks/trailers that have a sticker on the back of their vehicle or trailer.  These stickers have the license plate number of that vehicle or trailer and also contain a decal number.

If your event isn’t serving food or beverages to the general public, please call (661) 862-8740 to check for more information.  

Temporary Food Facilitie

There are two types of Temporary Food Facilities (TFF):

• A Temporary Food Facility is a tent/booth setup. 
• A Mobile-Temporary Facility is a truck, trailer, or concession-type setup. 

If you are preparing, sampling, serving, or giving away food or drinks to the public, even something simple like popcorn, water, or coffee, you need a TFF permit.

Events with 1 or more food booths (TFFs) also require a Community Event Permit. 

Types of TFF Permits

There are two main kinds of TFF permits:

Annual: Once-a-year permit that always will expire on June 30 of the current year

Single Event: Specific to 1 event and expires at the end of the event, duration dependent

Mobile food trucks that do not already have an annual health permit may apply for a Mobile Temporary Facility permit just for the event, as long as they follow all Mobile Temporary Facility rules and submit any extra required documents. 

Resources

• Online Application Portal
• Online Application Step by Step Guide
• Temporary Food Facility Guidelines 
• Food Handler Information (Required to submit Food Handler Certificate per California code)
• Exemption from Permit Fees Form 
• Exemption from Permit Fees Form - Example
• Deadlines

Farmers Market

The event organizer is the person or group who plans and manages the event and oversees all food booths (TFFs).

They’re responsible for:

• Making sure each food vendor has a valid permit
• Setting up the site and layout
• Ensuring restrooms, sinks, electricity, and water are ready
• Keeping everything clean and safe during the event

What the Organizer Does Before the Event
At least 30 days before your event, you’ll need to:

• Submit a Community Event Application
• Include a site map showing:

• Each food booth’s location
• Restrooms and handwashing stations
• Shared sinks for utensils
• Trash and recycling bins
• Any back-up storage areas for vendors

• Send a list of vendors with their menus and contact info
• Pay the permit fees

No new vendors can be added less than 14 days before the event.

What the Organizer Does During the Event
On the day of the event, the organizer must:

• Make sure all restrooms and sinks are clean and working
• Confirm that all electrical and water hookups are ready
• Check that all food booths are open and using proper food safety practices
• Monitor and maintain shared areas throughout the event

The cost of your permit depends on how many food vendors are at your event.

• If your organization has a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, you may qualify for reduced fees.
• Exemption from Permit Fees Form
• Exemption from Permit Fees Form - Example

For the latest fee list or to ask questions, please visit our Environmental Health Fees page or call (661) 862-8740. 

If your organization is verified as a nonprofit and you are giving away food for a charitable cause, you are eligible to register for a Limited-Service Charitable Feeding Operation (LSCFO) at no cost.  

Please contact Environmental Health at (661) 862-8740 to confirm your situation and learn more. 

 Online Application Portal

Email: EHCommunityEvent@kerncounty.com

Mail or drop off:
Environmental Health Division
2700 M Street, Suite 300
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Call: (661) 862-8740
Submit your Community Event Application at least 30 days before your event.
All food vendor permits must be approved no later than 14 days before the event.