Starting or expanding a food truck business in Salt Lake City? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or launching your first venture, navigating the licensing, regulations, and approvals can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this guide—to help you avoid common pitfalls and get up and running as smoothly as possible.

This guide will walk you through local laws, licensing requirements, parking regulations, commissary needs, and health code standards—everything you need to know to operate legally and successfully. And remember, we’re here to help! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Licensing & Legal Requirements

To operate in Salt Lake City, you must meet both city and county regulations. We recommend handling these requirements at the same time to speed up the process.

Step 1: Understand Utah’s Food Truck Laws
First, familiarize yourself with Utah’s food truck regulations and any recent legislation that may impact mobile food vendors.

Step 2: Choose Your Operating Location
Decide where you’ll be serving customers and select a commissary kitchen that meets Salt Lake County Health Department standards. (That’s where we come in!)

Step 3: Obtain a Salt Lake City Business License
A business license is required for all mobile food vendors within city limits, whether on public or private property.

Here’s what you’ll need to apply:
✔️ Valid driver’s license for each driver
✔️ All necessary health and transportation permits
✔️ Certificate of Insurance (as per Utah Code 63-30-34)
✔️ Written property owner permission (if operating on private property)
✔️ State Tax Identification proof

If you already have a business license in another Utah city (known as a reciprocal-based mobile food truck), you’ll need:
✔️ A valid business license from another Utah city
✔️ A current health department food truck/trailer permit
✔️ A fire safety inspection approval from another Utah city

Where Can You Operate?

Salt Lake City regulates where food trucks can park and serve customers, and the rules differ for public vs. private property.

Public Right-of-Way (Street Parking)
✅ Food trucks can only park in designated commercial and downtown zones
✅ Only one truck per block is allowed at a time
✅ Trucks must park with the service window facing the sidewalk
✅ Maximum parking time: 2 hours per location (unless permitted for up to 12 hours)

Private Property & Special Events
✅ Allowed only in certain zones with written property owner permission
✅ Maximum parking time: 12 hours per day
✅ Special event vendors may have additional requirements

Commissary Requirements

All food trucks in Salt Lake County must operate from a licensed commissary kitchen—a home kitchen is NOT allowed. When choosing a commissary, ensure it provides:
✔️ Health department approval
✔️ Cold & dry storage options
✔️ Access to necessary utilities

(Hint: Our kitchen is fully licensed and equipped to meet all commissary requirements!)

Salt Lake County Health Permits

Salt Lake County requires a separate set of approvals, which should be completed alongside the Salt Lake City business license.

Required Steps:
✅ Take a Certified Food Manager or Food Handler Course
✅ Sign a Commissary Agreement with an approved kitchen
✅ Register your business with the Utah Department of Commerce
✅ Apply for a Salt Lake County Health Permit
✅ Complete a Food Cart Mobile Unit Plan Review
✅ Submit food flow charts for each menu item
✅ Obtain a Restroom Agreement (if applicable)

Once approved, you’ll need to schedule an inspection with the Salt Lake County Health Department. (We can help you with this!)

Additional Services We Provide to Make Your Life Easier

We know that starting a food truck business is a big undertaking, but you don’t have to do it alone. We offer:

✅ Health Department-Compliant Commissary Kitchen – Fully licensed with walk-in freezers, fridges, and ample storage
✅ Reserved Food Truck Parking – Secure lot with dedicated electrical hookups, propane, ice, and water access
✅ Dump Station & Waste Disposal – Convenient grey water dump and on-site dumpsters
✅ Business Support – Guidance on licensing, inspections, and compliance

By partnering with us, you’ll have a one-stop solution to get your food truck business up and running faster and with less hassle.

Let’s Get You on the Road to Success!
Need help navigating the process? We’ve helped countless food truck owners get licensed and operational in Salt Lake City. Contact us today to get started!