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

Peoria licenses mobile food vehicles under City Code §§ 18-653 through 18-658, Article XVII of Chapter 18. Anyone selling from a self-contained motorized vehicle or trailer parked in the public right-of-way must apply to the city comptroller with a driver's license number, vehicle description (including scale drawings or photos of signage), a preliminary menu, license plate and registration, and a full list of prior criminal or ordinance convictions other than traffic offenses. The applicant posts a $1,000 license and permit bond with the city as obligee and files proof of general liability, food products liability, and property damage insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, plus $300,000 per person / $500,000 per occurrence / $15,000 property damage coverage naming the city as co-insured.

Under a temporary fee schedule enacted by Ordinance No. 00 for the 2026-2027 licensing year, whether the vendor works downtown, elsewhere in the city, or also holds a licensed restaurant; the fee reverts to the prior schedule on December 31, 2027, or upon recodification. Each license expires December 31, covers one vehicle only, and cannot move locations or change hands without comptroller approval. Before issuing a license, the comptroller collects reports from the police department, planning and growth management department, fire department, and public works department, due back within 15 days.

Outside the Downtown Business District the city issues unlimited licenses, but caps Downtown Business District licenses at five per year, awarded through a staff selection committee that weighs seniority for renewal applicants after the first-come, first-served opening year.