Hammond, IN Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Hammond Code of Ordinances § 117.005 makes it unlawful for anyone to engage in the business of mobile food vending in the city without first obtaining a license. Applicants apply through the City Controller under § 117.016, submitting identifying information, vehicle registration, proof of any required Lake County Health Department permits, and a designated Indiana registered agent. Section 117.005(B)(1) requires liability insurance of $250,000 per occurrence and $500,000 aggregate for general liability, plus $50,000 per occurrence and $100,000 aggregate for property damage, and proof of vehicle insurance; applicants must also sign an indemnity agreement with the city's Law Department.

Under § 117.017, the license fee is $100 plus a $5 processing fee, running July 1 to June 30, with a mobile food vendor paying an additional $1,500 annual fee on top of that base license (temporary food vendors are exempt from the $1,500 surcharge). Renewal after July 31 triggers a $200 late fee on top of the $100 renewal and $5 processing fee. Section 117.005(A)(3) bars mobile food vending in Hammond between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and § 117.005(A)(5) prohibits storing or parking the vending vehicle overnight on any vending site, public street, or sidewalk outside of operating hours.

Licenses are non-transferable under § 117.018, and the Common Council directs enforcement and inspection to the Police Department, Inspections Department, and Hammond's business licensing structure under Chapter 119.