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Your Guide to Food Trucks in Salt Lake City

No guesswork—just a click-by-click roadmap to build your food truck business plan and get the funding to launch!

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Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Salt Lake City

Renew your permits annually and comply with local zoning, location, and event regulations.

Use a licensed commissary kitchen for food storage, preparation, and cleaning.

Pass an annual Health Inspection conducted by the Salt Lake County Health Department (SLCHD).

Obtain a Mobile Food Vendor Permit from the Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development (SLCDED).

Display your Mobile Food Vendor Permit and health inspection certificates visibly on your truck.

Ensure your food truck complies with Fire Safety Requirements, including an inspection by the Salt Lake City Fire Department if using cooking equipment.

Complete a Food Safety Certification course approved by the Utah Department of Health (UDOH).

Salt Lake City
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Salt Lake City

Food trucks in Salt Lake City must obtain a Mobile Food Vendor Permit from the Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development (SLCDED) and comply with both health and fire safety standards.

Types of Permits:

Mobile Food Vendor Permit (Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development).
Health Permit (Salt Lake County Health Department).
Fire Safety Inspection Permit (Salt Lake City Fire Department).
Zoning/Location Permit (Salt Lake City, for specific areas or events).
Steps for Obtaining the Permit:

Submit a completed application for a Mobile Food Vendor Permit to the Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development (SLCDED).
Complete a Food Safety Certification course approved by the Utah Department of Health (UDOH).
Pass an annual health inspection conducted by the Salt Lake County Health Department to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
Schedule and pass a fire safety inspection by the Salt Lake City Fire Department if your truck uses cooking equipment.
Apply for a zoning permit from Salt Lake City if required for operating in high-traffic areas or during special events.
Provide proof of using a licensed commissary kitchen for food storage, preparation, and cleaning.
Unique Rules/Conditions:

Food trucks must operate from a licensed commissary kitchen for food storage, preparation, and dishwashing.
Zoning regulations apply, particularly near schools, parks, or in high-traffic areas.
Special event permits are required for operating at city events, fairs, or public gatherings.

Cost of Business Permit

$225

How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed

Annually

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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Salt Lake City

Inspections: Food trucks must pass an annual health inspection conducted by the Salt Lake County Health Department (SLCHD). Inspections cover food storage, cleanliness, refrigeration, cooking equipment, and sanitation.
Food Safety Certifications: Operators must complete a Food Safety Certification course approved by the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) before applying for a Mobile Food Vendor Permit.
Truck-Specific Requirements:
Handwashing stations with soap, paper towels, and warm water.
Proper waste disposal systems to meet local health standards.
Proof of using a licensed commissary kitchen for food storage, preparation, and cleaning.
Compliance with cleanliness standards for refrigeration and cooking equipment.

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Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Salt Lake City

Food trucks in Salt Lake City are generally allowed to operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., but special event permits may allow for extended operating hours.

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Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Salt Lake City

Food trucks using cooking equipment (e.g., grills, fryers, or propane) must undergo a fire safety inspection by the Salt Lake City Fire Department.
A fire suppression system is required for food trucks using cooking equipment.
Fire safety certificates may be required before starting operations.

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Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Salt Lake City

Zoning regulations prohibit food trucks from operating within 200 feet of school entrances during school hours unless approved by the city.
Special event permits are required for food trucks operating at city events, festivals, or public gatherings, which may allow for extended operating hours or location flexibility.
Trucks must comply with street parking regulations to avoid violations and ensure safety.

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.

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