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

Chelsea licenses three categories of mobile food operation under section 14-90 of the Code of Ordinances: mobile food trucks, canteens (food served from a vehicle but prepared elsewhere), and non-motorized food carts. No permit issues until the licensing administrator routes the single application to the inspectional services department, fire department, department of public works, police department, and the traffic and parking commission for review, and an initial permit additionally requires a public hearing before the licensing commission, with advertising costs borne by the applicant. Applicants must submit a business plan, a proposed service route with a schedule of stationary locations and hours, and proof of general liability insurance, since the permit runs only for the insurance policy's effective dates.

The commission may cap the total number of permits issued each year, and no single person or business may hold more than ten percent of total permits or five permits, whichever is lower. 00 for food carts. Permits must be renewed annually, and all mobile food trucks must carry a permanently mounted GPS device meeting commission rules. 00 fine against both parties.