Bloomfield, NJ Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Article II of Chapter 408 covers hawkers, peddlers, temporary mobile food establishments and transient merchants. Section 408-9 bars carrying on any such business in the Township without first obtaining a license from the Township Council, and hawkers, peddlers and transient merchants must also obtain the proper license from the Township of Bloomfield Board of Health. Section 408-9A defines a food truck as a registered motorized vehicle, a food trailer as a nonmotorized vehicle towed by one, and a food cart as a cart or moveable device used on public sidewalks or in public places that is not licensed as a food truck or food trailer. The definition of 'vehicle' adds that no licenses will be provided to individuals with carts or other types of conveyance.

Section 408-10 sets the process. Applications go to the Township Clerk on the Clerk's forms with an application/license fee of $200, effective January 1, 2012. They list the applicant's name and addresses, the vehicle description and license number, the days and hours of operation, the nature of the business, any criminal convictions, evidence of good character and two photographs. Every applicant is fingerprinted by Indentogo at the applicant's cost. No license issues unless the peddler holds a Type II firesafety permit from the Bloomfield Fire Department and the Chief of Police approves the application for traffic compliance and public safety. Every food vehicle must be inspected and approved by the Fire Prevention Bureau, a propane vehicle also needs a Type-1 permit, and a hood suppression system must comply with all state and local fire codes.

Licenses bear the words 'Licensed Peddler, Township of Bloomfield,' the license number and an expiration date, and expire on May 1 after issuance. A license that is not renewed before it expires is lost. The licensee must carry the license and show it on demand to any police officer or Township official. Section 408-10D creates Classes 1 through 5, each limited to three licenses, issued through a fair and open process except Class 2 ice cream licenses, which the Municipal Clerk's Office issues. Under § 408-15 every licensee carries $500,000 in comprehensive general liability and $500,000 in business automobile liability insurance and names the Township as an additional insured. Section 408-12.2 separately requires a Board of Health license under Chapter 613.