Rockville, MD Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Food truck operators in Rockville must comply with both city and county regulations. The City of Rockville requires a mobile vendor license to operate within city limits. Applications are processed through the City Clerk's office. Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services requires all mobile food service facilities to obtain a food service facility license, which involves plan review, a commissary agreement, and passing a health inspection. Trucks must be inspected at least annually and are subject to unannounced inspections. Food handlers must have food safety training. The city zoning code regulates where food trucks may operate. Trucks generally may not park within a specified distance of brick-and-mortar restaurants selling similar food to prevent unfair competition, with distances typically ranging from 50 to 200 feet depending on the location. Operating hours are generally limited to daytime and early evening. Food trucks may not operate on residential streets without a special event permit. The Rockville Town Center and other commercial areas have designated food truck locations that rotate among licensed vendors. Private property vending requires the property owner's written consent. Food trucks at special events on city property require an additional special event permit. All trucks must have proper waste disposal and may not discharge wastewater onto streets or into storm drains. Contact the City Clerk at 240-314-8280 for licensing and the Montgomery County Health Department at 240-777-3986 for food service permits.