Bowling Green, KY Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Sec. 15-7.03 of the Bowling Green Code of Ordinances requires every Mobile Food Unit and Pushcart to carry its own permit from the Finance Department; a vehicle towing a food trailer still counts as one unit needing one permit. Permits run for a twelve-month calendar term starting January 1 and must display a color-coded sticker issued for that year. The standard annual fee is $300, but any operator applying on or after July 1 pays a reduced $150 for the remainder of that year. Applications must include a copy of the City's business registration, proof of Fire Department and, where applicable, Health Department inspection and approval, the unit's vehicle identification number and license number, and proof of automotive insurance.

Before starting work, vendors must carry commercial general liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, automobile liability of $1,000,000 combined single limit, and workers' compensation coverage under KRS Chapter 342, with the City named as an additional insured on a primary, non-contributory basis. Vendors must agree to indemnify and hold the City harmless for claims arising from their operations. The CFO can deny, suspend or revoke a permit for failing to meet these requirements, for unpaid fees or fines, or for a materially false application, and any denial or revocation can be appealed in writing to the City Manager within 20 days.