Cart & Stand Rules: Chicago vs Des Plaines
How do cart & stand rules rules compare between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Chicago and Des Plaines have similar restriction levels.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago regulates food carts and mobile food vehicles under Municipal Code Chapters 4-8 and 7-38. Non-motorized food carts cannot prepare food on-site — all food must come from a licensed commissary kitchen. Mobile food trucks operating under Chapter 7-38 must have a GPS tracking device and are subject to health inspections. All mobile food operations require a City of Chicago Mobile Food License and must comply with the Chicago Food Code for food handling, temperature control, and sanitation.
View full Chicago rules →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Pushcarts and stationary vending carts in Des Plaines require a peddler's license, CCDPH health permit if food is sold, and proof of insurance. Carts operating in the public right-of-way are heavily restricted.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| License Required | City of Chicago Mobile Food License | - |
| Cart Food Prep | Prohibited — commissary kitchen required | - |
| Food Truck GPS | Required, must transmit location to city | - |
| Health Inspections | Required by Dept. of Public Health | - |
| Governing Code | Chapters 4-8 and 7-38 | - |
| Peddler License | - | Required |
| CCDPH Permit | - | Required for food |
| Insurance | - | Required |
| Commissary | - | Required for food |
| Residential Zones | - | Prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
What license do I need for a food cart in Chicago?
You need a City of Chicago Mobile Food License from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. You also need a food establishment license for your commissary kitchen, since food prep on non-motorized carts is prohibited.
Do Chicago food trucks need GPS tracking?
Yes. Under Chapter 7-38, mobile food trucks must have a GPS tracking device that transmits location data to the city. This is in addition to health department inspections and fire safety requirements.
Des Plaines FAQ
Can I operate a hot dog cart in Des Plaines?
Only with a peddler's license, a CCDPH Mobile Food Establishment permit, insurance, a commissary agreement, and either property owner consent or special-event authorization.
Where can my cart legally operate?
Private commercial property with owner consent in B/M zones, or at city-permitted special events. Public-sidewalk standalone vending is generally not permitted.
What equipment standards apply?
CCDPH requires potable water, wastewater containment, food protection (sneeze guards), refrigeration where applicable, and a licensed commissary for food preparation and storage.
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