Lowell vs Waltham
How do food truck permits rules compare between Lowell, MA and Waltham, MA?
Lowell and Waltham 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 →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Waltham food truck operators need a mobile food vendor permit from the Health Department, a hawker license, and commissary kitchen agreement before operating.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lowell | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| State code | 105 CMR 590 | - |
| City permit | Mobile food vendor | - |
| Commissary | Required | Required, no home prep |
| Fire inspection | Propane systems | - |
| Health Permit | - | Mobile food vendor permit |
| State Code | - | 105 CMR 590 |
| State License | - | Hawkers and peddlers |
| Fire Inspection | - | Propane and suppression |
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.
Waltham FAQ
Can I operate a food truck on Waltham streets?
Street vending is limited. Most operators work on private property with landlord permission, at approved public events, or in designated vending zones.
What permits do I need to start a Waltham food truck?
Health Department mobile food vendor permit, state hawkers license, commissary agreement, ServSafe certification, and Fire Department inspection of cooking equipment.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool