New Bedford, MA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)

Under City Code Sec. 15-72(b), no person, business or organization may operate a food truck anywhere in New Bedford, public or private space, without first getting a permit from the health department, and each truck must be individually permitted even if owned by the same operator. The annual permit fee is $600, renewed automatically on payment so long as the truck and holder stay in good standing, with the permit's effective date tied to the holder's general liability insurance policy. Applicants must submit a certificate of general liability insurance naming the city as additionally insured, plus the name and driver's license copy of every person authorized to operate the truck.

The health department must approve or deny a completed application within 90 days. Trucks may not park, stand or conduct business in any area not authorized under Chapter 15, and as a general operating rule they may not park or stand within 300 feet of any food establishment, regardless of which designated area they use. No operator may hold permits for more than five trucks, and trucks must offer single-use dining ware and a public waste container that the operator empties at its own expense. The department of inspectional services and board of health may adopt additional rules not in conflict with the ordinance.