Hampton, VA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issued by
- City manager, annually
- Prerequisites
- Business license, health permit, fire inspection
- 2nd offense fine
- Up to $250
- 3rd+ offense fine
- Up to $500
- Revocation bar
- 1 year, after 3 violations/12 months
Summary
Every Hampton food truck needs an annual permit from the city manager, plus a current business license, state health permit, and fire inspection approval, before selling any food in the city.
All food trucks shall obtain an annual food truck permit from the city manager or their designee prior to the advertising, displaying, offering or exchanging, for value any prepared or unprepared food. Prior to issuing the permit, the city manager shall determine that the food truck operator and food truck have first obtained the following approvals:(1)A current City of Hampton business license issued by the commissioner of the revenue;(2)A current health permit from the Virginia Department of Health; and(3)A current City of Hampton Fire Division inspection approval.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
Hampton City Code § 15-141 requires all food trucks to hold an annual food truck permit from the city manager before advertising, displaying, or selling any food for value. Before issuing the permit, the city confirms the operator has a current City of Hampton business license, a Virginia Department of Health permit, and a Fire Division inspection approval. Operators must post the permit in the truck and keep the business license decal, health permit, and fire sticker on board at all times for inspection. Repeat violations escalate from a written notice to misdemeanor fines, and three violations in 12 months can trigger permit revocation with a one-year reapplication bar.
Violations & Fines
First offense draws a written notice; a second nets a Class 4 misdemeanor up to $250; a third or later is a Class 3 misdemeanor up to $500, each day a separate offense (§ 15-141(d)).
Frequently Asked Questions
What approvals does a Hampton food truck need before it can get a permit?
What happens after three food truck violations in Hampton?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hampton
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