McLean County, IL Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

" The article specifically ties the permit to the unit: "a person must have a temporary food permit for each temporary food establishment or from one mobile unit to another mobile unit," and the permit must be posted in conspicuous public view or the establishment cannot open. Applicants file a written application at least five business days before the proposed opening for each event or season; applications filed later draw a $25 penalty fee. Permits split into two classes: Class J covers a single special event or celebration lasting no more than 14 days, while Class K covers multiple events over a six-month period, also capped at 14 days at any single event.

A Class J application may draw a discretionary Health Department inspection before issuance, while a Class K application always requires an inspection confirming compliance before the permit issues. Fee-exempt status is available to government units and 501(c)(3) charitable, religious, or educational organizations, subject to Health Department proof-of-eligibility requests. Operating before submitting a written application and receiving approval draws a penalty of twice the corresponding Class J permit fee, on top of late fees for applications filed within five business days of the event.