Madison requires Mobile Food Vending License under MGO §9.13 plus Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) food service license. Annual vehicle inspection, commissary, liability insurance, and certified food protection manager required per WI Ch. ATCP 75.
Food truck operations in Dane County require multiple permits. Madison Street Vending License (MGO §9.13) is issued by the City Clerk; applicants submit truck specs, menu, insurance certificate ($1 million liability minimum), and commissary agreement. Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) issues food service licenses under Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 75 (Food Protection Practices) and the WI Food Code (based on 2017 FDA Food Code); inspections are unannounced. Operators need a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) per ATCP 75.41, typically earned through ServSafe. Commissary agreement with a licensed kitchen for food prep, water fill, and wastewater disposal is mandatory — no home-based prep allowed. Propane and fire suppression systems must pass Madison Fire Department inspection (MGO Ch. 34). Sun Prairie, Fitchburg, Middleton, Verona, and other Dane County municipalities issue separate vendor permits; operators working multiple cities need each. Madison's Food Cart Review program governs vending on State Street and the Capitol Square.
Operating without vending license: $250 to $1,000 plus possible truck impoundment. Health violations: immediate closure order by PHMDC. Expired permits: $100 to $500 per day.
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