Mobile Food businesses are governed by City Ordinance which is available online. Read Sections 5.69 and 21A36.160. The information presented here is general in nature and does not cover the complete ordinance. You are responsible to know and follow all City Ordinances.
Special (food trucks, vending carts, ice cream trucks) commercial business license process.
Definitions:
- A “Mobile Food Business” is a business that serves food or beverages from a self-contained unit either motorized or in a trailer on wheels, and conducts all or part of its operations on premises other than its own and is readily movable, without disassembling, for transport to another location. The term “mobile food business” shall not include vending carts or mobile ice cream vendors.
- A “Mobile Food Court” is a parcel of land where two or more mobile food businesses congregate to offer food or beverages for sale to the public. Any cluster of more than one mobile food business, vending cart and seasonal farm stand, located on the same parcel of land shall be considered a mobile food court.
- A “Mobile Food Truck” is a mobile food business that serves food or beverages from an enclosed self-contained motorized vehicle. The term “mobile food truck” shall not include vending carts, mobile food trailers or mobile ice cream vendors.
- A “Mobile Food Trailer” is a mobile food business that serves food or beverages from a non-motorized vehicle that is normally pulled behind a motorized vehicle. The term “mobile food trailer” shall not include vending carts, mobile food trucks or mobile ice cream vendors.
Key Points About Mobile Food Businesses:
- Mobile food truck vehicles (NO TRAILERS) are allowed to operate in the public right-of-way only within the, M-1, M-2, D-1, D-2, D-3, D-4, G-MU, in accordance with 5.69.
- A current Salt Lake City Business License is required for all mobile food businesses operating within Salt Lake City and separate fees are required for each vehicle.
- A background check is required on owner/driver(s).
- A certificate of insurance as set forth in Utah Code.
- All vehicles must meet all Salt Lake Valley Health Department requirements.
- No professional or personal services shall be provided from the mobile business.
- Does not apply to vending carts or mobile ice cream vendors.
- Are allowed to operate on private property only in certain zones with written permission of the property owner and cannot exceed more than 12 hours during any 24 hour period.
- Are allowed to operate in the public right of way only as allowed by ordinance and must obey all parking and traffic regulations as stated in Title 12 of the Salt Lake City Code.
- When operating in the public right of way the vending window must face the sidewalk unless special permission is received from the Transportation Division.
- Business activity is to be temporary and the mobile food truck may not park at one location in the public right of way for more than two (2) hours unless a permit is received from the Transportation Division and cannot exceed more than 12 hours during any 24 hour period.
- All materials generated from the business must be disposed of properly. Trash and recycling containers shall be provided for use of their patrons.
- The area around the business must be maintained in a clean and attractive condition.
- Only one vehicle operating in the public right of way is allow within the same block face at one time.
- No vehicle shall operate within one hundred feet (100’) on the same liner block face to the door of a restaurant or other food vendor without a waiver.
- All enclosures or canopy extensions must not project into the public right of way unless authorized by the Transportation Division.
- All signs must be physically attached to the vehicle unless authorized by ordinance.