Food Truck Permits: Apex vs Raleigh
How do food truck permits rules compare between Apex, NC and Raleigh, NC?
Apex and Raleigh 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 →Raleigh, NC
Wake County
Food trucks operating in Raleigh must obtain a Mobile Food Vendor permit from the city. Operators must also hold a valid Wake County Health Department food service permit and a North Carolina sales tax certificate. The Raleigh City Code Part 12, Chapter 3 regulates mobile vendors including operational requirements, location restrictions, and health and safety standards. Food trucks must maintain distance from brick-and-mortar restaurants and comply with parking regulations.
View full Raleigh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Apex | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | Wake County Health Department permit |
| Commissary | Wake-County-approved commissary required (return daily for water / sanitation) | - |
| Decision Window | Chief of Police decides within 5 business days (Sec. 13-66) | - |
| City Permit | - | Mobile Food Vendor permit required |
| Code Reference | - | Raleigh Code Pt. 12, Ch. 3 — Peddlers & Vendors |
| Sales Tax | - | NC sales tax certificate required |
| Distance Rule | - | Must maintain distance from restaurants |
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.
Raleigh FAQ
What permits do I need to operate a food truck in Raleigh?
You need a Raleigh Mobile Food Vendor permit, a Wake County Health Department food service permit, and a NC sales tax certificate. The city permit covers operational and location requirements.
Where can food trucks operate in Raleigh?
Food trucks may operate on private property with owner permission and in designated public areas. They must maintain required distances from brick-and-mortar restaurants and comply with parking and safety regulations.
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