Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Knoxville

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

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit fee
$200 annual unit permit
Temporary event permit
$75, max 3 days
Renewal fee
$50 per year
Review time
14 business days
No-permit penalty
$50 per occurrence, possible impoundment

Summary

Knoxville requires every food truck to obtain a $200 mobile food unit permit before vending, with a separate $75 temporary permit for one-off events.

Mobile food unit permit required. A mobile food unit permit ("unit permit") is required by all vendors in order to vend or operate in the city. A unit permit is required for each MFU and the unit permit is non-transferrable. The unit permit shall be prominently displayed on the MFU...Fees. An application for a unit permit under this article shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount of two hundred dollars ($200.00).

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 16-561(a) makes a mobile food unit permit mandatory for every vendor operating in Knoxville, required per unit, non-transferrable, and must be displayed on the truck. Under § 16-561(e), the application fee is $200, with a $75 fee for a temporary permit valid for a single three-day event (limited to two per year), and a $50 annual renewal fee. The plans review and inspections department must approve or deny within 14 business days, and permits run for one calendar year. Operating without a valid permit is a public safety hazard subject to ticketing, impoundment, and a $50 fine.

Violations & Fines

Vending without a valid unit permit or temporary permit is punishable by a $50 fine per occurrence, and the truck may be ticketed and impounded under § 16-561(h).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Knoxville food truck permit cost?
The unit permit application fee is $200, with $50 for annual renewal; a temporary event-only permit costs $75, per § 16-561(e).
Can a food truck vend at a single Knoxville festival without the annual permit?
Yes, using a temporary permit valid up to three consecutive days, but a vendor can only obtain one twice per calendar year.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Knoxville

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsVending ZonesSignificant RestrictionsSidewalk & Mobile VendingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Knoxville rules

Compare Knoxville to another location·View the Tennessee food trucks & mobile vendors overview

Get notified when Food Truck Permits in Knoxville, TN changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.