Hendricks County, IN Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- County Health Officer
- Permit expiration
- December 31 each year
- Application lead time
- 48 hours before event
- Plan review
- Exempt for mobile units
- Permit transferability
- Non-transferable per unit
- Appeal deadline
- 15 days to Health Board
Summary
Operating a mobile food establishment in unincorporated Hendricks County requires an annual permit from the County Health Officer, expiring December 31, with applications due at least 48 hours before the event. Operating without one is unlawful under § 113.04.
(A) Permits. (1) (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a retail food establishment, mobile food establishment, temporary food establishment, farmers' market vendor, or bed and breakfast establishment in the county who does not possess a valid permit from the Health Officer, except when the entire operation of the establishment is receiving inspections by an appropriate state or federal governmental agency. (3) (b) Mobile retail food establishments shall include expiration on December 31 of the calendar year in which the permit is issued.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-3: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2024-50, passed 12-10-2024; and State law current through Indiana Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
in the county who does not possess a valid permit from the Health Officer," unless the operation is already inspected by another state or federal agency, and the permit must be posted conspicuously at the establishment at all times. 04(A)(3)(b), mobile retail food establishment permits expire on December 31 of the calendar year issued rather than running for a full year from issuance like fixed restaurants. 04(A)(6). 03(B)(2). 28 and are non-refundable. 08.
Violations & Fines
Operating a mobile food establishment without a valid Health Officer permit is unlawful under § 113.04(A)(1)(a), with penalties under § 113.99. Late applications submitted less than 48 hours before an event trigger late application fees. Permits can be suspended for up to 30 days without notice for an imminent health hazard, or revoked for habitual non-compliance, with an appeal available to the County Health Board within 15 days under § 113.09.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run a food truck in unincorporated Hendricks County?
When does a Hendricks County mobile food permit expire?
How far in advance must I apply for a mobile food permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hendricks County
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