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Clarksville, TN Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit fee
$165, non-refundable
Permit term
One year from issuance
Decision deadline
Ten business days
Fire inspection
Required for generators, hoods, propane
Health permit
State Health Department, filed with application

Summary

Food trucks operating in Clarksville need the annual transient vendor permit issued under the peddler chapter, at a non-refundable $165 fee. A Clarksville Fire Rescue life safety inspection and a state health permit come first.

At the time of submission of the application, the applicant shall pay to the city a non-refundable administrative processing fee of one hundred and sixty-five dollars ($165.00), or such other amount as may be approved from time to time by the finance and administration committee of the city council, for each yearly peddler permit application.

Source: City of Clarksville Code of OrdinancesView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 110 Update 2 | Zoning Ordinance: Supplement 6).

Full Breakdown

The city runs food trucks through Chapter 2 of Title 5, which covers peddlers, solicitors and itinerant merchants. Sec. 5-203 sets a one-year permit term, an application filed with the Department of Finance and Revenue, and a non-refundable $165 administrative processing fee. The chief of police reviews each application and the city decides within ten business days. Every employee must be listed and background checked. Clarksville Fire Rescue requires a passing life safety inspection for any unit using a fuel-powered generator, a Type 1 or Type 2 exhaust hood or suppression system, or propane or compressed natural gas. A health department permit, identification, a business license and written property owner permission are also required.

Violations & Fines

Police may cite permittees to city court under Sec. 5-206.5, and the chief of police may revoke a permit after notice and hearing under Sec. 5-211.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who issues the food truck health permit?
The Tennessee Department of Health. Montgomery County is not one of Tennessee's five contract counties, so state environmental health staff at the local health department permit and inspect food establishments here.
Does every worker need their own permit?
Sec. 5-203(a) requires a permit for each individual conducting peddler activities, even when several work for the same business, and the application must list all employees for background checks.
What if I only sell at a city park or festival?
Vending on Clarksville Parks and Recreation property or at city-hosted events requires a separate application, a valid peddler's permit, and a $1,000,000 insurance certificate naming the city.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clarksville

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsVending ZonesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsSignificant Restrictions

All Clarksville rules

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