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Reno, NV Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

City license
separate mobile vendor business license required
Health permit
Washoe County Health District permit for food sales
Time limit
4 hours (240 min) max per location
Hours
7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Zoning
prohibited on residentially zoned property

Summary

Reno requires a separate city Mobile Vendor Business License for every food truck, plus a valid Washoe County Health District permit, before any food sales can begin within city limits.

(1)All mobile vendors must be licensed by the city and must maintain a valid Washoe County Health District permit if involved in the sale or handling of any type of food.(2)A separate license will be required for any mobile vending activity. A business owner can not operate a mobile vending vehicle/unit under an existing business license; however,(3)A mobile vendor may have more than one vehicle/unit under one business license; however each vehicle must be named as a part of the business description on the application with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the license plate. Each vehicle will have a separate license printout with these unique identifiers. Copies of the license placed in additional vehicles are not allowed.(4)Any person in violation of this section shall be subject to the enforcement provisions provided within Title 4 of the Reno Municipal Code. (Ord. No. 6222, § 1, 2-8-12)

Source: Washoe County Food ProgramView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Administrative Code: Supplement 64 | Land Development Code: Supplement 5 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Under RMC Chapter 4.05, the Mobile Vending Code, every operator must hold a standalone City of Reno mobile vendor business license, it cannot ride on an existing business license, and, if selling food, a current Washoe County Health District permit. Vendors then face fixed time, place and manner rules: no more than four hours per location in 24 hours, no residential-zoned property, no streets/sidewalks/city lots, and a 7 a.m.-11 p.m. operating window unless in a 24-hour zone.

Violations & Fines

Operating without the required city mobile vendor license or Washoe County Health District food permit, or violating the chapter's time/place/manner rules, subjects the vendor to Title 4's enforcement and penalty provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a food truck in Reno on an existing business license?
No. RMC § 4.05.030 requires a separate mobile vendor business license: you cannot operate under an existing business license.
Do Reno food trucks need a health permit too?
Yes. RMC § 4.05.030 requires a valid Washoe County Health District permit for any mobile vending involving food sales, on top of the city license.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Reno

All Reno rules

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