Dearborn, MI Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- License issuer
- City Clerk
- Liability coverage
- $1M per occurrence minimum
- Fire inspection
- Required before licensing
- License expires
- April 30 annually
- Transferability
- Non-transferable between trucks
Summary
Every food truck operating in Dearborn needs a license from the city clerk under Article VIIA, plus fire inspection, $1 million liability coverage, and annual renewal by April 30.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any food truck to operate in the City of Dearborn without first obtaining a food truck license from the city clerk and pursuant to the provisions of this article. (b) It shall be unlawful for any person to assist or help any person with the operation of a food truck in the City of Dearborn except as provided by this article.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-07: Code: Updated through: July 22, 2026 | Zoning: Updated through: July 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Dearborn Code of Ordinances § 12-251 makes it unlawful for any food truck to operate in the city, or for anyone to help operate one, without a city clerk-issued food truck license under Article VIIA. Applicants file vehicle details, proof of Wayne County or state health licensing, a hold-harmless statement, and commercial general liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence with a $2,000,000 aggregate, plus $1,000,000 in vehicle liability coverage. Every applicant must pass a fire department inspection covering the Fire Prevention Code, propane storage, generator noise, and exhaust direction before a license issues. Licenses expire annually on April 30 and are non-transferable between trucks.
Violations & Fines
Operating a food truck in Dearborn without a license, or helping someone operate one, is unlawful and grounds for license denial, suspension, or revocation under §§ 12-251 and 12-256.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a city license to run a food truck in Dearborn?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dearborn
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Food Truck Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle food truck permits.