Food Truck Permits: Apex vs Cary
How do food truck permits rules compare between Apex, NC and Cary, NC?
Apex and Cary have similar restriction levels.
Apex, NC
Wake County
Apex Town Code Chapter 13, Article IV (Sec. 13-60 through 13-69.5), adopted by Ordinance 2019-0305-02, requires every Mobile Food Vendor and Transient Food Vendor to obtain a permit from the Apex Police Department before operating in Town. The annual fee is $150 (365-day permit). A Town of Apex Fire Marshal must pass the unit on a fire inspection no more than 30 days before application (free; 919-362-4001). Vendors must hold a Wake County Environmental Services mobile food unit permit under NCGS 130A-247 and operate from a commissary approved by the county health department.
View full Apex rules →Cary, NC
Wake County
Wake County Environmental Health & Safety issues mobile food unit permits under NC Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2600. An approved commissary is required as base of operations. Plan review takes ~10 business days. Food trucks may only operate in commercial zones unless part of a special event.
View full Cary rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Apex | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Apex Town Code Ch. 13 Art. IV (Sec. 13-60 to 13-69.5); Ord. 2019-0305-02 | - |
| Permit Issuer | Apex Police Department (Records: 919-249-3460) | - |
| Permit Fee | $150 for 365-day permit (paid at Town Finance, 73 Hunter St.) | - |
| Permit Term | 365 days (one year) | - |
| Fire Inspection | Required within 30 days of application; free; 919-362-4001 | - |
| Health Permit | Wake County Environmental Services MFU permit (NCGS 130A-247) | - |
| Commissary | Wake-County-approved commissary required (return daily for water / sanitation) | Required |
| Decision Window | Chief of Police decides within 5 business days (Sec. 13-66) | - |
| Permit issuer | - | Wake EH&S |
| Plan review | - | ~10 business days |
| Allowed zones | - | Commercial only |
| Code | - | 15A NCAC 18A .2600 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Apex FAQ
What permits do I need to operate a food truck in Apex, NC?
You need (1) a Town of Apex Transient / Mobile Food Vendor permit under Town Code Sec. 13-61 issued by the Apex Police Department ($150 / 365 days; paid at Town Finance, 73 Hunter Street); (2) a Wake County Environmental Services mobile food unit permit under NCGS 130A-247, with an approved commissary; (3) an Apex Fire Marshal inspection completed no more than 30 days before the Town application (Sec. 13-64(k); free, 919-362-4001); (4) written permission from the property owner for the vending location; and (5) copies of all required NC privilege / business licenses.
How long is an Apex food truck permit valid?
One year. Apex Town Code Sec. 13-68 states 'All permits shall expire one year following the date issued.' You may apply for a new permit to run consecutively with an active permit no more than ten business days before expiration. Permits are non-transferable under Sec. 13-69 and may be revoked under Sec. 13-69.1 for fraud, breach of permit conditions, or public-nuisance operation.
Cary FAQ
Can I park my food truck at home overnight?
Yes for storage, but no food prep or sales from a residential property unless it's the licensed commissary.
Do I need a Raleigh permit too?
Yes — Raleigh requires its own mobile food vendor permit on top of the county health permit if you operate inside Raleigh.
How long does plan review take?
Approximately 10 business days for a complete application; allow more for revisions.
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