Chattanooga, TN Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)
Key Facts
- MFU Zone application fee
- $110
- Residential buffer
- 100 feet minimum
- MFU permit fee
- $50 per year
- Fine per violation
- up to $50
- Zone approval
- Dept. of Transportation
Summary
Chattanooga bans mobile food units from city streets, sidewalks, and public property unless they operate inside a designated Mobile Food Unit Zone approved by the city transportation department.
Mobile food units are prohibited from operating upon city streets, sidewalks or public property within the Chattanooga city limits, except in Mobile Food Unit (MFU) Zones as approved by the Chattanooga Department of Transportation and in compliance with rules and regulations established by the mayor or his designated representative. Also, in city Parks or Youth and Family Development Center property located in the area of the city designated by the shaded area shown on the attached map which is incorporated herein as Exhibit A to this Section, mobile food units may operate in city Parks with the approval of the Director of Open Spaces or his/her designated representative and in a city Youth and Family Development Center facility with the approval of the Director of Youth and Family Development or his/her designated representative.(1)Within MFU Zones the proposed locations of operation must be designated and no mobile food unit operations may occur within one hundred (100') feet of the nearest property zoned R-1, R-2, R-3, or R-4.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 40 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 20-149 prohibits food trucks from operating on Chattanooga streets, sidewalks, or public property outside designated MFU Zones approved by the Chattanooga Department of Transportation. Inside an MFU Zone, no truck may park within 100 feet of the nearest R-1, R-2, R-3, or R-4 zoned property. Anyone can apply to establish a new MFU Zone for a $110 fee, but must first notify the council member for that district. Trucks also need a separate $50 Mobile Food Unit Permit under Sec. 20-148, and operating in city parks needs added approval from the Director of Open Spaces or Youth and Family Development.
Violations & Fines
Operating outside an approved MFU Zone, parking within 100 feet of residential zoning, or running without a Mobile Food Unit Permit draws fines up to $50 per violation and permit revocation after three offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a food truck park anywhere on a Chattanooga street?
How close can a food truck get to a house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chattanooga
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