Food Truck Licensing Requirements
North Carolina: Food trucks need business license, health permit, and often mobile vendor permit. Rules vary significantly by city.
FOOD TRUCK LICENSING
TYPICAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Business License: From city/county
2. Health Permit: From health department
3. Mobile Food Vendor Permit: City-specific
4. Vehicle Registration: Commercial plates
5. Fire Safety Inspection: Required in most areas
HEALTH DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS
• Commercial kitchen certification
• Food handler cards for all staff
• Regular inspections
• Commissary agreement (where you prep/store)
• Waste water disposal plan
CITY-LEVEL PERMITS
Food truck regulations vary enormously by city:
• Some cities very friendly (Portland, Austin)
• Some very restrictive (NYC, Chicago)
• Distance requirements from restaurants
• Time limits at locations
• Designated zones only
COMMISSARY REQUIREMENT
Most health departments require:
• Base of operations at licensed commissary
• Where you prep food
• Where you dispose of waste
• Where you store supplies overnight
OPERATING RESTRICTIONS (COMMON)
• Hours of operation limits
• Distance from schools
• Distance from restaurants (100-500ft)
• No blocking traffic/sidewalks
• Time limits at each location
• Designated parking areas only
INSURANCE REQUIRED
• General liability ($1M typical)
• Auto insurance (commercial)
• Workers' comp (if employees)
• Product liability recommended