Waterloo, IA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Waterloo City Code section 3-4F-2 makes it unlawful to sell food or beverages from a mobile food unit in the city without a license, in addition to any state or county health permits. Section 3-4F-4 requires an application filed at least 15 calendar days before starting business, including a photo of the vendor, vehicle details, a diagram of the unit and surrounding equipment, waste disposal plans, an Iowa Sales Tax Permit, proof of a state or county food service license, and proof of insurance under section 3-4F-12.

The application fee is $100 for a 30 day license or $350 for a one year license, and the city clerk may charge $20 for an incomplete or late application. Section 3-4F-4(D) routes the application to the police department, fire department and Planning and Zoning for investigation, including a possible sealed Iowa DCI background check and a fire marshal inspection for International Fire Code conformance. Section 3-4F-6 requires an annual fire department inspection for units with cooking facilities or grease-laden vapors (Class III and IV state licenses), with an appropriate fire suppression system.

Section 3-4F-11 restricts sales to between 7:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M. daily unless operating as part of a special event. Section 3-4F-16 lets the city clerk deny, suspend or revoke a license for code violations, unwholesome food, three or more police calls, or unpermitted operation on city property, with suspensions running at least 14 days and revocation barring relicensing for one year.