Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors in Knox County, TN (2026)

1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Knox County, Tennessee.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Knox County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Vending Zones

Knox County treats a mobile food vehicle as a "transient vendor" under Code section 12-31 and bars it from ever setting up on a street, right-of-way, sidewalk, or other public area, or anywhere that blocks the view of traffic. Before serving a single customer, the operator must get a temporary use permit from the department of codes administration and inspections.

Mobile Food Vending Zones in Knox County TN

Significant Restrictions

Knox County Code of Ordinances § 12-31(b)-(c)

(b)A transient vendor shall not operate in the county until a temporary use permit is obtained from the department of codes administration and inspections in accordance with the County Code requirements provided in Appendix A, Zoning, Chapter 10, Building Regulations, and Chapter 30, Fire Prevention and Protection.(c)A transient vendor shall not be permitted to set up or operate any booth, stan...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors by City in Knox County

1 cities in Knox County have their own food trucks & mobile vendors rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

KnoxvillePop. 190,740

3 verified rules • Food Truck Permits, Sidewalk & Mobile Vending

All Knox County ordinances

See every category we cover for Knox County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Knox County Ordinance Hub →