Chattanooga, TN Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Vending Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit type
- Temporary use permit required
- Licensing
- Must hold health department license
- Utility connections
- Permanent water/sewer prohibited
- Food truck parks
- 20% of lot as common area
- Governing sections
- Sec. 38-44(a), 38-42(r)
Summary
Chattanooga allows individual food trucks on private property only as a temporary use under a city permit, while standalone food truck parks are a separate, more limited principal zoning use.
These standards apply to individual mobile food trucks and food trailers that locate on private property as an individual temporary use. When food trucks and trailers are included as part of another temporary use, such as temporary outdoor entertainment event, they are approved as part of that use but are still subject to items 5 through 9 below.
(1)The timeframe of a mobile food vendor, including number of days per week and overall duration of the event, will be determined and approved as part of the temporary use permit. .....(2)If the operator is not the owner of the site where the truck or trailer will be located, written permission from the property owner must be submitted as part of the temporary use permit application. .....(3)The permit holder must keep the area clear of litter and debris at all times. .....(4)All food trucks and food trailers must be properly licensed by the health department. .....(5)Outdoor seating may be provided on the site, but no seating may be permanently installed. .....(6)A permanent water or wastewater connection is prohibited. .....(7)Electrical service may be provided only by temporary service or other connection provided by an electric utility, or an on-board generator. .....(8)Drive-through service is prohibited. .....(9)Shipping containers cannot be used a mobile food vendor. .....(b)Mobile Retail Vendor .....
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
Individual mobile food trucks and trailers that locate on private property operate under a temporary use permit issued per Sec. 38-44(a); the permit sets the days and duration of operation, requires health department licensing, and bars a permanent water, sewer, or drive-through connection. A standalone Food Truck Park is a distinct principal use allowed under Table 38-41.1 mainly in the city's industrial and mixed-use zones, and must dedicate at least 20 percent of its lot to shared common area for seating, restrooms, and landscaping under Sec. 38-42(r).
Violations & Fines
Operating a mobile food vendor without an approved temporary use permit, exceeding the approved timeframe, or installing a permanent utility connection violates Sec. 38-44(a) and is enforceable under the City Code's general penalty provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a food truck just park anywhere on private property in Chattanooga?
What's different about a Chattanooga food truck park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chattanooga
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