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 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 →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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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
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.
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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