Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Chapter 180 of the Code of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills defines a mobile food vendor as anyone who operates a movable restaurant, truck, van or other self-contained movable unit or pushcart in or on which food or beverage is transported, stored or prepared for retail sale or given away at temporary locations. Under § 180-3(B), selling without a license is unlawful. Applications go to the Township Health Officer on a standardized form available in the Township Clerk's office and on the Township's website, and an application is incomplete until every document and the fee are submitted.

The application package is extensive. It includes the applicant's identity and contact details, a background check for the applicant and any vending employees, two-inch by two-inch color passport photographs, fingerprinting through an approved vendor at the applicant's cost, articles of incorporation or certificate of formation, the New Jersey business registration certificate and certificate of authority, a description of the business and food to be sold, the vehicle identification number and license plate, and proof of motor vehicle insurance. A policy of not less than $500,000 for bodily injury or death and not less than $10,000 for property damage must be on file, naming the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills as additional insured with 30 days' notice of cancellation, plus a signed indemnification agreement. Under § 180-2(I)(1) the fee is $500, or $300 for vendors that sell only frozen desserts, frozen snacks or frozen confections.

Before issuance the Chief of Police conducts a criminal background check, valid twelve months, and the Township Health Officer inspects the vehicle and issues a written report within 10 days of completing the inspection. The Fire Official can also inspect. Under § 180-3(R) each license has a term of one year and is renewed annually with the documents and fees required for a new license. Vendors at prescheduled parties, fairs, carnivals and festivals are excluded from the chapter if the event is otherwise permitted, but all vendors must still comply with state and local health and licensing rules.