Food Truck Permits: 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 License ($700 for Preparer, $350 for Servers/two-year) from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). Chicago Municipal Code §7-38-115 enforces a strict 200-foot buffer from any brick-and-mortar restaurant — the rule upheld by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2019 — and mandates GPS tracking on every truck.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| 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
Where can I park my food truck in Chicago?
Anywhere that is at least 200 feet from any restaurant entrance, no longer than 2 hours, and not in a residential zone. Chicago also operates 20+ designated Mobile Food Stands (mostly downtown and on the Near West Side) where longer stays are allowed.
How long does the Chicago Mobile Food License take?
Plan on 6–10 weeks: BACP plan review, vehicle inspection, IDPH cert, GPS installation, shared kitchen agreement, plus a final BACP inspection at 121 N LaSalle.
How much does a Chicago food truck license cost?
$700 (Preparer) or $350 (Servers) for a two-year license, plus shared kitchen rent (~$500–$1,000/month), GPS device ($300–$500 one-time + service fee), Sanitation Certificate, and a city vehicle sticker.
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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