Boston, MA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Section 17-10, added by Ord. 2011 c. 5, creates a Mobile Food Trucks Committee combining the Public Works, Transportation, Inspectional Services, Police and Fire Departments, the Director of Food Initiatives and the Assessing Department to review permit applications and set operating rules. 4, no person or business, including a religious or charitable organization, may operate a mobile food truck in any public, private or restricted space without a Committee-issued permit, and a separate permit is required for each truck. 5 requires a single application through the Commissioner of Public Works disclosing the business owner, a business plan, a proposed service route and hours, Fire Department and Inspectional Services inspection certification, proof of service by a licensed mobile food commissary, restroom access within 500 feet for shifts over an hour, and general-liability insurance naming the city as additionally insured; the Commissioner must issue or deny within 60 days, with a ten-day window to appeal a denial.

6 caps any single operator at no more than 10% of total permits issued citywide, or five permits, whichever is greater. 7 if the renewal fee is paid within 30 days of expiration. 10 bars selling or transferring a permit for value.