Cambridge vs Somerville
How do food truck permits rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Somerville, MA?
Cambridge and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Cambridge licenses mobile food vendors through the License Commission and Board of Health, with permits for truck operation, food safety, and designated location use.
View full Cambridge 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 | Cambridge | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| License agency | License Commission | - |
| Health code | 105 CMR 590 | - |
| Fire inspection | Required for propane | - |
| Locations | Designated only | - |
| Gray water | No street dumping | - |
| 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.
Cambridge FAQ
How do I start a food truck in Cambridge?
Apply to the License Commission, pass Board of Health and Fire inspections, obtain insurance, and secure approved locations.
Can I park anywhere to vend?
No, mobile vending is limited to designated locations approved by the License Commission.
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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