North Hempstead, NY Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Chapter 9A, adopted in 2023 and amended in 2025, folds mobile food preparation vehicles into the Town's Fire Code operating permit scheme managed by the Building Department. Section 9A-2A(1)(b)[13] lists Fire Code Section 319, "Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles," among the activities requiring an operating permit, and ties compliance specifically to the permitting requirements the Office of the Town Clerk has established, as currently in effect or as amended. The Chapter 2 definitions section, § 2-7, defines a mobile food preparation vehicle as one containing cooking equipment that produces smoke or grease-laden vapors for preparing and serving food to the public, expressly excluding vehicles used for private recreation, so a personal RV grill setup falls outside the rule while a commercial food truck with a griddle or fryer does not.

Under § 9A-2B, any operator must apply electronically through the Building Department's online portal on a Building Commissioner-approved form, supplying whatever information the Commissioner needs to confirm the operation conforms to the Uniform Code, and the Commissioner can require tests or reports at the applicant's expense. Section 9A-2C requires an in-person inspection of the vehicle or premises before the permit issues. Section 9A-2E(1)(d) sets the permit term at one year for activities like this that are not separately listed with a shorter duration, renewable on reapplication, inspection and payment of the applicable fee. Section 9A-2F lets the Building Commissioner revoke or suspend the permit if the operation stops complying with the Uniform Code.