Worcester, MA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Chapter 14, Section 11B requires every food truck operating in a Food Truck Friendly Zone to obtain a Food Truck Permit administered by the Executive Office of Economic Development in conjunction with other city departments; a separate permit is required for each individual truck, and the permit must be displayed inside the truck, visible from outside. Permits run from issuance through the last day of the calendar year, so a truck permitted mid-year does not get a full twelve months. The department issues a single application form listing the prerequisite licenses, including a hawkers and peddlers license from the chief of police and a permit from the director of public health, the designated Food Truck Friendly Zones, required attached documents, and signature lines for Inspectional Services and Fire Department inspectors, even if no permit is ultimately issued.

The application itself must include the business and owner's names and addresses, a business plan description, proposed vending locations and times, the vehicle identification number, and proof of commercial general liability insurance of $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 general aggregate plus commercial auto liability insurance of $1,000,000 combined single limit, both naming the City of Worcester as an additional insured. The annual permit fee is $100, dropping to $50 if the permit issues after July 1. Section 11B(n) lets the department suspend or revoke a permit without prior notice for breach of Section 11B, violation of any city rule or regulation, or an unreasonable risk to public health and safety.