Food Truck Permits: Hackensack vs Paramus
How do food truck permits rules compare between Hackensack, NJ and Paramus, NJ?
Paramus has fewer restrictions than Hackensack.
Hackensack, NJ
Bergen County
Food trucks in Bergen County need a state retail food license, mobile vendor approval from the Bergen County or municipal health department, and individual peddler permits in each town where they operate. There is no countywide unified permit.
View full Hackensack rules →Paramus, NJ
Bergen County
Paramus requires every mobile food truck, cart, or trailer to obtain an annual Mobile Retail Food Establishment license from the Board of Health before selling food or beverages within the Borough.
View full Paramus rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hackensack | Paramus |
|---|---|---|
| State license | NJ Retail Food Establishment | - |
| Health authority | County or municipal | - |
| Per-town permit | Required separately | - |
| Commissary | Required statewide | - |
| Governing code | N.J.A.C. 8:24 Chapter XXIV | - |
| Authority | - | Ordinance 2025-09; amended 2025-19 |
| License Term | - | January 1 to December 31 |
| Issued By | - | Board of Health |
| Display Required | - | Yes, while operating |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hackensack FAQ
Is there one Bergen County food truck permit?
No. Each Bergen County municipality issues its own peddler license. You also need a state retail food license and inspection by the local health department, which may be county or municipal.
Do I need a commissary for my food truck in Bergen County?
Yes. New Jersey requires mobile food units to operate from a licensed commissary for water, waste disposal, food storage, and cleaning. Home kitchens generally do not qualify.
Paramus FAQ
Do I need a Paramus license if I already have a state mobile food permit?
Yes. State permits do not substitute for the Borough license. Every mobile retail food establishment must hold an annual Paramus Mobile Retail Food Establishment license before vending.
When does the Paramus food truck license expire?
All licenses expire December 31 regardless of when issued. The Borough does not prorate fees, so renewal is required each calendar year before continuing operation.
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