Dubuque, IA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

City Code chapter 4-9 requires a mobile food vendor license from the city clerk before anyone sells food or beverages from a mobile food unit inside Dubuque, on top of any other local, state, or federal permit (§ 4-9-2). The application goes to the city clerk on a city form, and § 4-9-4 makes the applicant procure and keep in force an insurance policy meeting the city's vendor insurance schedule, with proof filed before the license issues; the license will not issue or renew until the fee set by the city manager is paid.

Several categories are exempt from licensing altogether, including caterers operating solely as caterers, concession stands tied to sports venues, youth bake sales and fundraisers, Central Market and other permitted farmers' market vendors, and nonprofits, churches, schools, and lodges with a permanent Dubuque County office (§ 4-9-3). Once licensed, a vendor may only operate between 6:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and between 6:30 a.m. and midnight on Friday and Saturday (§ 4-9-9), must keep the license visible and available for inspection on the unit at all times (§ 4-9-8), and cannot sell, assign, or transfer the license to anyone else (§ 4-9-7). Ordinance 3-26, adopted February 2, 2026, put this licensing scheme in place.