Temporary Events

Coronavirus COVID 19 Directive

As of June 15^th, 2021 the State of California will be re-opening the economy and moving beyond the blueprint tier system.  Mega Events as defined under new California State guidance  Beyond the Blueprint Framework for Industry and Business Sectors, with Limited Exceptions (ca.gov)  explains safety protocols for community events (mega Events) and other business sectors.  After June 15, 2021 vendors may operate Temporary Food Facilities at sponsored community events (Mega Events).  All protocols found at Beyond the Blueprint Framework for Industry and Business Sectors, with Limited Exceptions (ca.gov) for masking, social distancing, vaccination attestation, and negative COVID testing results must be complied with in collaboration with the community event sponsor.  In the case of event cancellation, fifty percent (50%) of the paid permit fee may be refunded upon department approval.

Thank you for your interest in the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health Temporary Food Facility (TFF) program. A TFF is more commonly referred to as a food booth and is only allowed to operate at sponsored community events.  Alameda County permits over 400 sponsored community events every year and permits over 3000 TFF’s per year.  This includes events such as the Alameda County Fair, Oakland Art and Soul Festival, Alameda Spring Fair, Fremont Art and Wine Festival, Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Hayward Zucchini Festival and hundreds of others.  

Please review all of the informational material available below prior to completing the application:

• PocketGuide to Temporary Food Facility Operations English (PDF)  or  Spanish (PDF)
• List of Permitted Commissaries/Commercial Kitchens in Alameda County & Vicinity 
• Food Safety Quiz for Temporary Event Operators (PDF)
• Temporary Event Booth Preinspection/Self Inspection Form (PDF)

California Health and Safety Code (CALCODE) defines a community event as an event conducted for not more than 25 consecutive or nonconsecutive days in a 90-day period and that is of a civic, political, public, or educational nature.  If you are interested in sponsoring a community event please complete and submit the application at the link below at least 60 days prior to the event date.

• Temporary Events Sponsor Application (PDF)

California Health and Safety Code (CALCODE) defines a Temporary Food Facility as a food facility that operates in conjunction with a sponsored community event for a period of time not to exceed 25 consecutive or nonconsecutive days in any 90-day period.  Annual or transferable TFF permits are not available.  You must apply for a TFF permit for each event.  If you are interested in operating a TFF, please complete and submit the application at the link below at least 30 days prior to the event date.   50% of the permit fee maybe refunded upon cancellation of the event or if the application is rejected.

• Temporary Food Facility Permit (PDF)

To inquire about the status of your submitted application or pending permit, or to ask a general question about temporary events, contact us at dehtempevent@acgov.org.  Please include the event name, name of the booth, date of the event and your contact information.  We will get back to you within 24 hours.

Fee Exemption
To request a review for a fee exemption, you may do so if you are a Sole Proprietor Veteran or a qualified 501 (c) (3) providing humanitarian assistance for the poor, suffering and distressed.  You must submit the forms below with your application.  If you do not meet the requirements you will be required to pay the permit fees.

• Requirements for Fee Exemption Request (PDF)
• Non-Profit Charitable Fee Exemption Request (PDF)
• Veteran's Fee Exemption Form (PDF)