Arlington Heights, IL Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Section 11-601, in Article VI of Chapter 11, makes it unlawful to operate, use or cause the operation or use of any food vehicle in the Village without first obtaining a license, though vehicles used only to deliver food from an already-licensed food establishment, or operated by a peddler licensed under the Code, are exempt from this specific license while still having to comply with Article VI's regulatory provisions. Section 11-602 requires every food vehicle license holder to strictly comply with all Code provisions on health, sanitation and food vehicles.

Section 11-603 requires food vehicles to carry adequate, properly constructed and located mechanical refrigeration equipment for cold or frozen food and adequate heating equipment for hot food, and directs the Health Services Director to inspect the vehicle and its operations as often as deemed necessary, following Article III's inspection procedures. An applicant seeking exemption from the mechanical equipment requirement must let the Health Services Director investigate the proposed business, equipment and methods before any license issues. 00 for food processing, food service and retail food establishments based on employee count.

Section 11-303 lets the Village Manager suspend a license for noncompliance after notice, and Section 11-302 gives Village inspectors authority to enter and examine food vehicle records at reasonable times.