Akron, OH Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- City of Akron License Division
- Application fee
- $225, non-refundable
- Liability insurance required
- $1,000,000, City as additional insured
- Biomedical Corridor add-on fee
- $1,750
- Special/community events
- Exempt from separate permit
- First violation fine
- $100 mandatory, up to $500
Summary
Akron requires every mobile food truck to hold a City License Division permit before selling from streets, rights-of-way, or public property. City Code § 111.369 sets a $225 non-refundable application fee, requires $1,000,000 in liability insurance, and adds a $1,750 charge for the few vendors permitted in the Biomedical Corridor.
A.Permit Required. No vendor of a mobile retail food establishment shall sell, offer for sale or display food items from City streets, rights-of-way or property without first obtaining a permit from the City License Division. A permit is not required for a vendor participating in a City-sanctioned special event or community event. ...9.A non-refundable application fee of two hundred twenty-five dollars ($225); ...C.Permitted Use. Upon receipt of a permit under Section 111.369(B), the permittee may operate only outside the Biomedical Corridor... D.Permit to Operate within the Biomedical Corridor. A vendor that desires to operate within the Biomedical Corridor and that has a valid permit issued under Section 111.369(B) shall be issued a permit to operate within the Biomedical Corridor upon payment of a fee of one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($1750).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 64).
Full Breakdown
369(A) bars any mobile retail food establishment vendor from selling, offering for sale, or displaying food on City streets, rights-of-way, or property without a permit from the City License Division, though vendors participating in a City-sanctioned special or community event are exempt. The application, prescribed by the Licensing Agent, must include the vendor's name, address, phone, email, and mobile food establishment license number; a tax identification number; proof of current City of Akron income tax compliance (or a payment agreement); a description and dimensions of the unit; the items to be sold; a copy of the vendor's mobile retail food establishment license; a certificate of comprehensive general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 naming the City as an additional insured; and a non-refundable $225 application fee.
369(B) only authorizes operation outside the Biomedical Corridor. 2 restricts that vendor to one of two designated spots: Locust Street south of Cedar Street, or Park Street west of Forge Street. 15 of the City Code.
Violations & Fines
Operating a mobile retail food establishment without the required permit, or violating any provision of §§ 111.368 through 111.369.3, is a third-degree misdemeanor carrying a mandatory fine of $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second violation, and $500 for any subsequent violation, on top of any other penalty allowed by law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Akron food truck permit cost?
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Do food trucks at Akron festivals need a city permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Akron
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