Food Truck Permits: Madison vs Sun Prairie
How do food truck permits rules compare between Madison, WI and Sun Prairie, WI?
Madison and Sun Prairie have similar restriction levels.
Madison, WI
Dane County
Madison issues mobile vending licenses through the Clerk's Office under MGO 9.13. Annual fee ~$500-$1,000. Also requires WI DATCP Mobile Restaurant license. Sidewalk and street vending zones regulated.
View full Madison rules →Sun Prairie, WI
Dane County
Madison requires Mobile Food Vending License under MGO §9.13 plus Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) food service license. Annual vehicle inspection, commissary, liability insurance, and certified food protection manager required per WI Ch. ATCP 75.
View full Sun Prairie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Madison | Sun Prairie |
|---|---|---|
| City License | MGO 9.13 Mobile Vending | - |
| Annual Fee | ~$500-$1,000 | - |
| State License | WI DATCP ATCP 75 | - |
| Inspection | Public Health Madison Dane | - |
| Commissary | Daily return required | Required, no home prep |
| Madison | - | MGO §9.13 vending |
| Health | - | PHMDC ATCP 75 |
| Insurance | - | $1M liability min |
| CFPM | - | ATCP 75.41 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Madison FAQ
Can I park my food truck anywhere?
No. Vending requires a site allocation from the city. Private property vending requires property owner permission plus vending license; some zoning districts restrict mobile vending.
Are there farmers' market exemptions?
Vendors at the Dane County Farmers' Market (Capitol Square) operate under the market's state license; individual city vending licenses may not be required during market hours.
Sun Prairie FAQ
Who issues food truck health permits in Dane County?
Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) handles food service licensing for all of Dane County under WI ATCP 75. Expect unannounced inspections.
Can I operate in both Madison and Fitchburg with one license?
No. Each municipality issues its own vending permit. You'll need Madison MGO §9.13 plus Fitchburg, Sun Prairie, Middleton, or other permits for each city worked.
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