Denver food trucks need a Mobile Retail Food Establishment license from Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE), a Mobile Vendor Permit from Denver Excise and Licenses, a commissary agreement, vehicle inspection, and proof of sales/lodger's tax registration. Fees total roughly $600 to $900/year.
Operating a mobile food truck in Denver requires multiple approvals. First, a Retail Food Establishment license from DDPHE for the mobile unit — inspection verifies equipment, water, wastewater, hand sinks, refrigeration, and fire suppression per the Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules (6 CCR 1010-2). Second, a Mobile Vendor / Peddler license from Denver Excise and Licenses under DRMC Chapter 32 — application requires commissary agreement (a licensed commercial kitchen for prep, waste, and overnight storage), COI showing $1M general liability, vehicle VIN and photos, and Colorado Sales Tax License. Third, a Denver Sales Tax Registration and Occupational Privilege Tax (OPT, $5.75/mo per employee) through Treasury. Propane and fire suppression systems are inspected by DFD annually. Vending on Denver right-of-way requires the ROW Mobile Vendor permit and is limited to approved zones; private property vending requires owner consent and zoning compliance. Licenses renew annually. Tri-County Health did not cover Denver; DDPHE is sole health authority within city limits.
Operating without DDPHE license: immediate closure and up to $5,000/day. Operating without Denver Mobile Vendor license: $250 to $999 plus impoundment. Expired commissary agreement: license suspension. Tax violations: Treasury civil penalties.
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