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South Bend, IN Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

City License
$525/year (Sec. 4-45)
Short Terms
$50 day / $130 month
County Permit
$325–$375 + commissary
Food Revenue
80% minimum
Renewal
March 1 or April 1

Summary

Running a food truck in South Bend requires a city mobile food vendor vehicle license under Code section 4-45, $525 a year plus a $5 application fee, and a St. Joseph County Health Department permit tied to an approved licensed commissary.

Mobile food vendor vehicle sales means eighty (80) percent of all revenues must come from food and beverages.

Source: South Bend Municipal CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).

Full Breakdown

South Bend licenses food trucks as "mobile food vendor vehicles" under Municipal Code section 4-45, issued by the City Controller. Annual/seasonal licenses cost $525; shorter terms run $200 (three months), $130 (30 days), and $50 (one day), plus a $5 application fee. At least 80 percent of revenue must come from food and beverages, and the truck must carry liability insurance. Separately, the St. Joseph County Health Department requires a permit ($325 dispensing-only, $375 prep unit) and an approved commissary ($75/year), with plan review before opening. The license displays in the sales window.

Violations & Fines

Operating without a valid mobile food vendor license or health permit can shut the truck down. The city license must be displayed in the sales window; unlicensed vending and health-code failures bring fines and permit revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits do I need for a food truck in South Bend?
A city mobile food vendor vehicle license (Sec. 4-45) and a St. Joseph County Health Department permit with an approved commissary. Both must be current to operate.
How much does a South Bend food truck license cost?
$525 for an annual/seasonal license, or $200 for three months, $130 for 30 days, or $50 for one day, plus a $5 application fee.
Do I need a commissary?
Yes. The county requires every mobile food truck to work from an approved licensed commissary, and trucks cannot be stored in the open on residential property.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in South Bend

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsVending ZonesHeavy RestrictionsSidewalk & Mobile VendingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All South Bend rules

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