Starting a food cart business can be an exciting venture. However, navigating the permitting process can seem daunting. This guide breaks down the steps involved in securing a food cart permit, ensuring you’re ready to serve delicious food to your customers.
Understanding Food Cart Permits
Operating a mobile food vending unit requires specific permits and licenses. The regulations vary depending on the location and type of vending you plan to do. Understanding these requirements is the first step in getting your food cart business off the ground.
Supervisory License (If Applicable)
In some locations, a supervisory license is required to apply for specific types of food vending permits. For example, in New York City, Local Law 18 of 2021 mandates a supervisory license for new full-term (year-round) city-wide or non-Manhattan mobile food vending permits.
A unit operating under a supervisory license must always have a licensed supervisor present. The requirements differ based on location:
- Manhattan: At least one person with a citywide supervisory license must be on-site.
- Outside Manhattan: At least one person with a non-Manhattan or citywide supervisory license must be on-site.
Supervisory license applications are often offered to individuals on waiting lists. Keep an eye out for notifications regarding waiting list opportunities.
Mobile Food Vendor License
To work on a food cart or truck, you must obtain a mobile food vendor license and complete a food protection course. The number of mobile food vendor licenses isn’t typically limited, but each vendor is generally restricted to holding only one license. Completing the required food safety course is a crucial step in this process.
Types of Street Food Vending Permits
The number of street food vendor permits a city can issue is often limited by law. Available permit types vary:
- Year-Round (Full-Term) Permits (Valid for two years):
- Citywide permits
- Citywide permits for U.S. veterans and people with disabilities
- Non-Manhattan permits (excluding Manhattan)
- Borough-specific permits (Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, or Staten Island)
- Green cart permits for vending fruits, vegetables, nuts, and water in specific areas.
Alt text: A green food cart with fresh fruits and vegetables on display, indicating a vendor operating with a green cart permit.
- Seasonal Permits (Valid April 1 to October 31): These, along with green cart permits, are often offered to those on waiting lists.
New year-round (full-term) citywide and non-Manhattan mobile food vending permits are available to people with a supervisory license. Keep an eye out for notifications about waiting list opportunities if you have a mobile food vendor license.
Other Types of Food Vending Permits
- Restricted Area Mobile Food Vending Permits: These allow vending on private property or designated areas like NYC Department of Parks and Recreation property. These permits don’t allow vending on public sidewalks or streets. There’s usually no waiting list or limit on the number of these permits.
- Specialized Disabled Veteran Food Vending Permits: Available to U.S. veterans with service-related disabilities. These permits allow year-round vending, often restricted to specific areas like curbs around NYC Parks (at least 30 feet from any park entrance). Contact the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection for details.
Renewing Your Food Cart Permit
Mobile food vending permits are typically valid for up to two years and must be renewed before expiration. Renewal applications are usually mailed to permit holders a few months before the expiration date. Ensure you complete and return the form with updated documentation and the necessary fees.
If you have a citywide or borough-specific permit issued before a certain date (e.g., July 1, 2022, in NYC), you may be able to continue renewing without a supervisory license until a later date (e.g., July 1, 2032, in NYC).
Understanding Restricted Areas
Be aware of areas where food vending is prohibited. Consult official maps to identify these restricted streets.
Alt text: A street map highlighting areas where mobile food vending is restricted, used to guide vendors on legally permissible locations.
Letter Grades and Inspections
Mobile food vending units are often required to display letter grades based on sanitary inspection scores. Grades are typically assigned as follows:
- A: 0-13 points
- B: 14-27 points
- C: 28+ points
The letter grade is often displayed on the unit’s permit decal.
Maintaining a Clean and Compliant Food Cart
Food carts and trucks must be cleaned, serviced, and stored at an approved facility (commissary, depot, or alternative). These facilities usually require a Non-Retail Food Establishment Permit.
Units must be stored at the approved facility when not in use and returned daily for cleaning and maintenance. Permit holders usually need to provide a Commissary Agreement during their pre-permit inspection.
Units offering uncut produce or non-hazardous pre-packaged foods may be eligible to use an alternative cleaning and storage facility.
Alt text: Exterior of a mobile food vending commissary, equipped for cleaning, servicing, and storing food carts and trucks.
Finding a Commissary
Use available maps to locate approved commissaries for cleaning, servicing, and storing your food cart or truck.
Key Takeaways for Getting Your Food Cart Permit
Securing a food cart permit involves understanding local regulations, obtaining necessary licenses, and adhering to health and safety standards. By following these steps, you can successfully launch your mobile food vending business. Consult your local health department for the most up-to-date information and requirements. Don’t forget to prioritize food safety and maintain a clean, compliant operation. Good luck!
