Food Truck Permits: Arlington vs Somerville
How do food truck permits rules compare between Arlington, MA and Somerville, MA?
Arlington and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Arlington, MA
Middlesex County
Mobile food establishments must comply with the MA Food Code (105 CMR 590) statewide. Local boards of health issue permits, while state law sets minimum sanitary standards.
View full Arlington rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Somerville food trucks need a Mobile Food Vendor permit from the Health Department plus a state common victualler and vehicle registration.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Code | 105 CMR 590 | - |
| Statute | M.G.L. c. 94 §305A | - |
| Local Permit | Each municipality | - |
| Certification | ServSafe required | - |
| Primary permit | - | Mobile Food Vendor (Health) |
| Also required | - | Common Victualler license |
| State plan review | - | DPH approval |
| Fire | - | Propane inspection |
| Commissary | - | Licensed kitchen required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
Can I operate a food truck in multiple Massachusetts cities with one permit?
No. While state sanitary standards are uniform under 105 CMR 590, each city or town's board of health issues separate permits to operate within its jurisdiction.
What sanitary standards apply to Massachusetts food trucks?
105 CMR 590 (the State Food Code) requires approved water, refrigeration, waste handling, certified food protection managers, and regular inspections, applying uniformly statewide.
Somerville FAQ
Can I run a food truck from my home kitchen?
No. Massachusetts requires food trucks to source prep from a licensed commissary kitchen. Home-based prep is not permitted for mobile food establishments.
How much does a Somerville food truck permit cost?
Fees vary annually but typically run several hundred dollars for the Mobile Food Vendor permit plus additional fees for the victualler license and inspections. Check the Licensing Commission's fee schedule.
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