Lowell vs Somerville
How do food truck permits rules compare between Lowell, MA and Somerville, MA?
Lowell and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Lowell, MA
Middlesex County
Food trucks in Lowell need a city mobile food vendor permit, a Board of Health common victualler license, and a State Food Establishment permit, plus a commissary agreement.
View full Lowell rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Somerville food trucks need a Mobile Food Vendor permit from the Health Department plus a state common victualler and vehicle registration.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lowell | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| State code | 105 CMR 590 | - |
| City permit | Mobile food vendor | - |
| Commissary | Required | Licensed kitchen required |
| Fire inspection | Propane systems | - |
| Primary permit | - | Mobile Food Vendor (Health) |
| Also required | - | Common Victualler license |
| State plan review | - | DPH approval |
| Fire | - | Propane inspection |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lowell FAQ
How much is a Lowell food truck permit?
Fees vary but typically total several hundred dollars annually across the city, state, and hawker and peddler licenses.
Can I park my food truck on any Lowell street?
No, you need the abutting owners permission on private lots and must follow posted parking rules on public streets.
Somerville FAQ
Can I run a food truck from my home kitchen?
No. Massachusetts requires food trucks to source prep from a licensed commissary kitchen. Home-based prep is not permitted for mobile food establishments.
How much does a Somerville food truck permit cost?
Fees vary annually but typically run several hundred dollars for the Mobile Food Vendor permit plus additional fees for the victualler license and inspections. Check the Licensing Commission's fee schedule.
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