Hackensack, NJ Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Adopted 1-14-2020 by Ord. No. 42-2019 as Article X of Chapter 90, the ordinance defines a 'mobile food vendor' as anyone selling nonprepackaged prepared food or beverages from a nonpermanent location, whether from a truck, van, trailer or pushcart, but excludes farmers' market produce sellers, deliveries from a fixed retail establishment, licensed ice cream vendors under Article IV, and prepackaged food sellers under Section 90-5. Under Section 90-67, every vendor must obtain an annual license from the Department of Health before commencing sales; licenses run 365 days (366 in a leap year) and cost $150.

Only 100 mobile food vendor licenses may be active at once; once that cap is reached the Department keeps a waiting list and gives a prospective applicant five business days to apply once a slot opens. Licenses cannot be sold, leased or transferred. A. 39:6B-1 if motorized); the Department inspects and approves the vehicle before issuing the license. Vendors using an open flame or a tent or canopy 30 feet or longer must also obtain a Type I permit from the Fire Department's Bureau of Fire Prevention at least five days before the event under Section 90-69.

While operating, a vendor must display the Department of Health license, a New Jersey Division of Taxation registration certificate, and the location-specific operating permit issued under Section 90-71.