Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors in Dubuque, IA (2026)
3 verified food trucks & mobile vendors rules for Dubuque, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Food Truck Permits
Anyone selling food or drinks from a mobile food unit in Dubuque must first get a mobile food vendor license from the city clerk under City Code § 4-9-2, carry vendor insurance, and pay the license fee before operating, then keep hours between 6:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. weekdays or midnight on weekends.
Dubuque Mobile Food Vendor License Requirements
Some RestrictionsDubuque City Code §§ 4-9-2, 4-9-4(A), 4-9-9
It is unlawful for any person to engage in the sale of food or beverages to the public from a mobile food unit within the corporate limits of the city without first obtaining a mobile food vendor license from the city clerk, in addition to any other required local, state, or federal permits, certifications, and licenses. ... ... A. Insurance Requirements: The applicant must procure and maintain...
Vending Zones
Dubuque bars mobile food units from residential properties, requires a city temporary use permit to park on a nonresidential lot, and keeps them off any lot with a vacant building under City Code § 4-9-10. A unit also cannot operate within 100 feet of a permanent restaurant unless that restaurant's owner consents in writing.
Where Mobile Food Units May Operate In Dubuque
Some RestrictionsDubuque City Code § 4-9-10(A), (B), (D), (G)
A. Mobile food units are not permitted on residential properties, except for a private catering arrangement and only for so long as the mobile food vendor complies with all other city code requirements related to residential property. B. Operation of a mobile food unit may be allowed on a nonresidential parking lot upon issuance of a city temporary use permit. ... ... D. The mobile food unit mu...
Sidewalk & Mobile Vending
Dubuque lets pushcarts, but not other mobile food units, sit on a public or private sidewalk under City Code § 4-9-10(E). A pushcart on a public sidewalk must leave a 48-inch open walkway for pedestrians and cannot let waiting customers block that clearance, while any other mobile food unit is barred from sidewalks entirely.
Dubuque Pushcart Sidewalk Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsDubuque City Code § 4-9-10(E)
E. With the exception of pushcarts as allowed herein, no mobile food unit may be placed on a public or private sidewalk. Pushcarts may locate on or adjacent to a private sidewalk or public sidewalk. However, if locating on a public sidewalk, a minimum forty-eight inch (48") open walkway must be maintained for passing pedestrians. The placement of the pushcart must be in such a manner so as to...