Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors in Polk County, IA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Polk County, Iowa.

Verified from official government sources

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

Food Truck Permits

Every mobile food unit operating in unincorporated Polk County must get a permit from Polk County Public Works at least three business days before starting, then renew the license annually with Planning and Development. The application requires the operator's name and address, a description of the food sold, the property owner's written authorization, proof of an Iowa sales tax permit, and insurance.

Mobile Food Unit Permits in Polk County

Some Restrictions

Polk County Zoning Ordinance, Art. 4, Div. 5, Sec. 4(F)(1)(a)-(c)

(F) Mobile Food Units (1) Mobile Food Unit: Any type of annually licensed food establishment that is a readily movable vehicle (on wheels), that is self-propelled (driven), or can be pulled or pushed to a location and used for the vending of food or beverage items to the public. (a) Permit: Every Mobile Food Unit shall apply to Polk County Public Works for a permit to operate at least three bus...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Vending Zones

Unincorporated Polk County only allows mobile food units in Mixed Use, Neighborhood Business, General Commercial, Light Industrial and Heavy Industrial zoning districts, never on a vacant lot as a standalone use or on a parcel whose main use is residential. Hours run 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., shrinking to 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. within 125 feet of a residential zone.

Mobile Food Vending Zones in Polk County

Some Restrictions

Polk County Zoning Ordinance, Art. 4, Div. 5, Sec. 4(F)(1)(e)-(f)(2)

(e) Hours of operation: Mobile Food Units are permitted to operate between 5:30 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. the following days unless the premises is located within 125 feet of any residentially zoned property. Within 125 feet of a residential property, mobile food units are allowed to operate between 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. on the same day. Mobile Food Units operating on premises subject to a permit s...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors by City in Polk County

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

Des MoinesPop. 214,133

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

All Polk County ordinances

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