Fairfax County, VA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 43.2-3-2, Fairfax County Food Code
- Permit term
- One year, renewable
- Must display
- Permit plus VDOT LUP-MFV copy
- Issuing agency
- Health Department division director
Summary
Fairfax County requires a food establishment permit specifically for Mobile Food Vending from VDOT rights-of-way, valid for one year and displayed in the vehicle at all times.
(A)Each application for a food establishment permit for Mobile Food Vending (permit) shall be completed on forms provided by the division director and accompanied by the application fee set by Article 6 of this Chapter.(B)Each permit shall be valid for a period of one year, unless the permit is revoked or suspended in accordance with this Chapter. After the expiration of such permit, any person seeking to continue Mobile Food Vending operations in the County must submit a renewal application and a renewal fee.(C)The permit requires compliance with all department and Department of Cable and Consumer Services permits, licenses, and regulations.(D)A valid permit must be displayed in plain view on the exterior or the interior of the Mobile Food Vending Vehicle. A copy of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Land Use permit for Mobile Food Vending issued to Fairfax County, Virginia (LUP-MFV), shall also be maintained in every Mobile Food Vending Vehicle.(E)The permit may only be issued by the division director upon his determination that the applicant has submitted a completed application, paid the required application fee, obtained all other required permits, and is fully in compliance with all relevant laws, ordinances, and regulations. (03-21-43.2.)
Full Breakdown
Section 43.2-3-2 requires every operator vending food from the curbside of a public street to hold a food establishment permit for Mobile Food Vending, applied for on Health Department forms with the Article 6 fee. The permit is valid for one year unless revoked or suspended, and a renewal application and fee are required after expiration. A valid permit must be displayed in plain view in the vehicle, along with a copy of the VDOT Land Use Permit issued to Fairfax County for Mobile Food Vending.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a valid, displayed Mobile Food Vending permit violates Chapter 43.2 and can trigger permit suspension or revocation and prosecution as a Class 3 misdemeanor under Section 43.2-4-1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do food trucks need a permit to sell on Fairfax County streets?
How long is a Fairfax County mobile food vending permit good for?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
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