Food Truck Permits: Chicago vs Tinley Park
How do food truck permits rules compare between Chicago, IL and Tinley Park, IL?
Chicago and Tinley Park 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 →Tinley Park, IL
Cook County
Food trucks operating in Tinley Park must obtain a Village mobile food vendor license and a Cook County or Will County health permit depending on commissary location. Public street vending is largely restricted to permitted events.
View full Tinley Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Tinley Park |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Village License | - | Required annually |
| Health Permit | - | Cook or Will County |
| 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.
Tinley Park FAQ
Can I park my food truck on a Tinley Park street and sell food?
No. Public street vending is generally prohibited except at Village-permitted special events or designated zones.
Which health department do I need?
It depends on where your commissary and operations are located. Cook County DPH covers the northern portion; Will County Health Department covers the southern portion.
Can I vend at Taste of Tinley or the Halloween Parade?
Yes, through the event organizer. The Village coordinates event-specific vendor permits, and your Village license and county health permit must be current.
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