Hennepin County, MN Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Hennepin County Ordinance No. 3
- Covers
- Mobile food units, carts, itinerant stands
- License issued by
- Health Authority
- Itinerant license term
- Specific operating days only
Summary
Hennepin County requires a food establishment license for mobile food units and itinerant food stands before they may operate.
No person shall operate a food establishment within Hennepin County or engage in any enterprises described in Section 2, unless a license has been obtained. Each license shall be obtained from the Health Authority as established by County Board resolution from time to time pursuant to this Ordinance and Hennepin County Administrative Ordinance 1.
Full Breakdown
Hennepin County's food protection ordinance defines "food establishment" to expressly include mobile food units, catering food vehicles, carts and itinerant food operations. Section 4.2 makes it unlawful to operate any food establishment in the county without first obtaining a license from the Health Authority, issued and administered under Hennepin County Administrative Ordinance No. 1. Itinerant food establishment licenses are issued for the specific days of operation rather than a full license year.
Violations & Fines
Operating a mobile food unit without a license can trigger license denial, suspension or revocation, and is grounds for a misdemeanor citation under the ordinance's penalty section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a food truck need a Hennepin County license?
How long does an itinerant food license last?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hennepin County
Compare Hennepin County to another location·View the Minnesota food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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