Hendersonville, TN Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Hendersonville's mobile food vendor framework is codified in Chapter 10.6.3.6 of the Zoning Ordinance and administered through the Planning Department's Mobile Vendor Checklist. Required permits and approvals: (1) Mobile Vendor Application reviewed by Hendersonville Planning Department (615-264-5316) for adequacy of parking provisions, traffic, access, and impact on the neighborhood; (2) Hendersonville business license, which must be prominently displayed; (3) Tennessee Department of Health Food Service Permit (required to be displayed) — issued under the state retail food framework for mobile food establishments; the Tennessee Department of Agriculture also licenses certain mobile food vehicles under TCA Title 53 retail food statutes; (4) Tennessee State Fire Marshal mobile food vehicle permit and inspection — Hendersonville adopted the 2021 International Fire Code effective 7/1/2025 (under the City's Policies & Codes Adopted list), which incorporates the IFC mobile-food-vehicle / cooking-appliance / LP-gas requirements (Class K hood suppression for cooking units, propane cylinder securement, fire extinguisher rating, plan review); (5) Tennessee Department of Revenue sales-tax registration (7% state + Sumner County local option). Operational duration: 'Mobile vendor cannot occupy a lot or parcel for more than six (6) one (1) week periods during the calendar year. Periods may be consecutive.' This time limitation does NOT apply to a single vendor located within twenty (20) feet of the principal building on the lot or parcel. Site standards (see vending-zones for full list): minimum lot size, separation from streets and other vendors, business-license display, and trash management. Short-duration operations (food trucks not remaining on any lot for more than one (1) hour) shift to the Peddlers Ordinance at Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 1 — Peddlers Permit obtained through the City Hall front office at 615-822-1000. Enforcement: Hendersonville Planning Department for zoning; Sumner County Health Department (under TDH) for food safety; State Fire Marshal for fire safety; standard Zoning Enforcement 7–60 day correction window before citation and Municipal Court.