Louisville, KY Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Mobile vendor license from Dept. of Codes & Regulations
- Buffer zone
- 1,000 ft from hospitals, schools, churches
- Dwell time
- 10 minutes max, then move 250 ft
- Operating hours
- Daylight hours only
- Food safety
- Separate Health Dept. permit required
Summary
Louisville Metro requires anyone selling food from a vehicle on public streets to get a mobile vendor license from the Department of Codes and Regulations before operating anywhere in Jefferson County.
It shall be unlawful for any itinerant vendor or peddler to engage in business within Louisville/Jefferson County except when licensed as a stationary or mobile vendor or peddler as defined in § 115.350(A) and in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
(B) Unless otherwise exempted, every itinerant vendor or peddler, before commencing business within Louisville/Jefferson County, shall make application in writing and under oath to the Department of Codes and Regulations and shall pay the required license fees.
(C) A separate license shall be required for each vehicle or conveyance engaged by an itinerant vendor.
(D) The Director of the Department of Codes and Regulations may set and enforce rules and regulations deemed necessary for the orderly and complete administration of this chapter which are not inconsistent with any of the provisions of this chapter. A copy of the administrative regulations as promulgated by the Director of the Department of Codes and Regulations shall be available for public inspection in the offices of the Department of Codes and Regulations.
(E) The Director of the Department of Codes and Regulations is authorized to establish and promulgate a reasonable schedule and classifications of fees for licenses and permits as shall be issued pursuant to this chapter.
(F) The license requirements of this chapter shall not be construed to apply to the following:
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-47: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinances passed by the Council and approved by the Mayor as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Louisville Metro licenses mobile food vendors under Chapter 115 of the Code of Ordinances. Operators file a written application with the Department of Codes and Regulations covering vehicle details, driving record, and criminal history, then pay the scheduled fee. Once licensed, mobile vendors must stay 1,000 feet from hospitals, schools in session, and houses of worship unless authorized, cannot park longer than 10 minutes before moving 250 feet, and can sell only during daylight hours. Vendors selling unpackaged food must also hold a separate health permit from the Louisville Metro Department of Health before the vending license issues.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a Department of Codes and Regulations license is a violation; the Director can deny, suspend, or revoke licenses for false statements, unpaid penalties, or violations of the standards in § 115.358.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to run a food truck in Louisville?
How close can a food truck park to a school in Louisville Metro?
Can a Louisville food truck stay parked all day at one spot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Louisville
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