New Orleans
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in New Orleans
• Display all required permits visibly on your truck during operations.
• Ensure your food truck complies with New Orleans’ fire safety regulations, including required inspections and equipment.
• Complete a food safety certification course before submitting your application.
• Obtain a Mobile Food Vendor Permit from the City of New Orleans.
• Adhere to zoning and location-based regulations for operating within the city.
• Register for a Louisiana State Sales Tax Permit to collect sales tax.
• Pass a health inspection conducted by the New Orleans Health Department.
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in New Orleans
In New Orleans, Louisiana, food trucks must acquire several permits to legally operate:
Mobile Food Vendor Permit: The permit is issued by the City of New Orleans and allows food trucks to operate within the city limits.
Health Permit: A health inspection by the New Orleans Health Department ensures the food truck complies with local food safety laws and sanitation standards.
Louisiana Sales Tax Permit: Required for collecting sales tax on food sold from the truck, issued by the Louisiana Department of Revenue.
Commissary Kitchen: Food trucks must store and prepare food in a licensed commissary kitchen.
Steps for Obtaining Permits:
Submit an application for a Mobile Food Vendor Permit to the City of New Orleans.
Pass a health inspection conducted by the New Orleans Health Department.
Provide proof of using a licensed commissary kitchen for food storage and preparation.
Obtain a Louisiana Sales Tax Permit.
Schedule a fire safety inspection if the truck uses cooking equipment.
Unique Conditions: The City of New Orleans has specific location-based restrictions. Food trucks cannot operate in certain areas without specific permits, and they are prohibited from operating within a set distance from schools and churches.
Cost of Business Permit
$400
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in New Orleans
Inspections: Food trucks are required to pass an annual health inspection by the New Orleans Health Department. The inspection ensures the truck meets safety standards for food handling, storage, and sanitation.
Food Safety Certifications: Operators must complete a food safety certification course recognized by the city before applying for the permit.
Truck-Specific Requirements:
A handwashing station with hot and cold running water is required in the truck.
Trucks must have proper waste disposal systems, including grease and sewage disposal.
Food must be prepared and stored in a licensed commissary kitchen.
Temperature-controlled storage is required for both hot and cold food.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in New Orleans
Food trucks can operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with some flexibility for extended hours during special events or in high-traffic areas.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in New Orleans
Food trucks with cooking equipment such as grills, deep fryers, or propane must pass a fire safety inspection conducted by the New Orleans Fire Department. Trucks are required to have fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, and proper ventilation. A fire safety certificate is typically required before operating.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in New Orleans
Food trucks in New Orleans must adhere to strict zoning laws that restrict operations near schools, parks, and other sensitive locations.
Trucks must operate in compliance with the city’s noise ordinances, especially during late-night hours.
Vendors operating at events or festivals may require additional permits or permissions from event organizers or the city.
The city encourages food truck operators to check for any temporary operating permits during major events or parades.
The information on this page is collected through collaboration with local food truck owners and occasional voluntary submissions from local government and health officials. Food Truck Profit is not a government agency and cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. All food truck owners are strongly encouraged to consult directly with local government officials, including fire and health departments, to ensure compliance with all regulations. Food Truck Profit assumes no liability for errors or omissions in the content provided.