Herndon, VA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Food truck operation in Herndon requires multiple approvals. First, operators must obtain a Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Mobile Food Unit permit by submitting plans, equipment list, commissary agreement, and undergoing inspection; annual fees are approximately 40 dollars to 325 dollars depending on classification (VA Code §35.1-14 and 12 VAC 5-421). The truck must be based at or use an approved commissary for food storage, cleaning, and wastewater disposal; operation from home garages is prohibited. Second, a Town of Herndon business license (BPOL) is required, with fees based on gross receipts; minimum fee applies for low-revenue operators. Third, the operator must obtain permission from the property owner of any private location where the truck will park. Fourth, operations on public streets, rights-of-way, or Town-owned property require a specific zoning or special event permit and are generally not permitted outside of sanctioned events. The Town does not have dedicated food truck zones for daily operations, so most food trucks operate at office parks, commercial plazas, or breweries with property owner consent. Virginia-wide, food trucks must charge and remit state sales tax (5.3% in most of Herndon, plus local meals tax where applicable). The Town of Herndon imposes a 4% meals tax on prepared food sold by food trucks and restaurants. Participation in events like the Herndon Festival, Friday Night Live summer concerts, Herndon Farmers Market, and craft shows typically requires separate event-specific application, fees, and insurance. Trucks must carry commercial general liability insurance, typically 1 million dollars per occurrence, with the event or property owner as additional insured.