Chicago vs Des Plaines
How do food truck permits rules compare between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Chicago and Des Plaines have similar restriction levels.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago requires a Mobile Food Vendor License under MCC 4-8-036/037 and health code compliance under MCC 7-38. Mobile Food Preparers pay $1,000 and Food Dispensers pay $700, with mandatory GPS tracking, inspections, and insurance.
View full Chicago rules →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Mobile food vendors operating in Des Plaines must obtain a city mobile food vendor business license and a Cook County Department of Public Health food sanitation permit. Vending on public streets is heavily restricted; most operations occur on private property with owner consent or at permitted special events.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| Preparer License | $1,000 (MCC 4-8-036) | - |
| Dispenser License | $700 (MCC 4-8-036) | - |
| GPS Required | Mandatory on all food trucks | - |
| Restaurant Buffer | 200 ft from brick-and-mortar entrances | - |
| Propane Insurance | $350,000 minimum per occurrence | - |
| City License | - | Required annually |
| Health Permit | - | Cook County DPH |
| Public Street Vending | - | Generally prohibited |
| Private Property | - | Allowed with consent + zoning |
| Commissary | - | Required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
How much does a food truck license cost in Chicago?
A Mobile Food Preparer license (cooking on vehicle) costs $1,000. A Mobile Food Dispenser license (pre-packaged foods) costs $700, per MCC 4-8-036.
Can a food truck park near a restaurant in Chicago?
No. Food trucks cannot operate within 200 feet of any brick-and-mortar restaurant's principal customer entrance during its hours of operation.
Is GPS tracking required on food trucks in Chicago?
Yes. All food trucks in Chicago must be equipped with functioning GPS devices to allow the city to monitor their locations.
Des Plaines FAQ
Can I park my food truck on a Des Plaines street and sell?
No. Des Plaines generally prohibits mobile vending from public rights-of-way except at city-permitted special events. Most legal operations occur on private property with the owner's written consent.
What permits do I need?
A Des Plaines mobile food vendor license, a Cook County DPH Mobile Food Establishment permit, Illinois business registration, vehicle inspection, certificate of insurance, and a commissary agreement.
Can I vend at Rivers Casino events or downtown festivals?
Only through the event organizer who coordinates vendor permits with the City. Your CCDPH and city licenses must be current.
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