Farmington Hills, MI Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Vending Zones (2026)

Farmington Hills regulates where food trucks can park and operate through several overlapping mechanisms rather than a dedicated food-truck-zone map. (1) Private property — A food truck may operate on private commercial property with the written consent of the property owner. The underlying zoning district must allow the use. The Chapter 34 (Zoning) Special Land Use, accessory-use, and parking standards apply; food trucks tied to an existing restaurant or commercial use generally fit as accessory; standalone repeated operation may need Special Land Use approval. (2) Special events — Code Sec. 22-119 governs Special Events. The Special Event / Temporary Outdoor Sales Application is the controlling document and is required for organized events on public or private property where food is served. The application requires sign-off from: Oakland County Health Department (for sanitary, water, and food service facilities — except where only pre-packaged ready-to-eat foods are sold), City Fire Marshal (cooking equipment, propane, fire-extinguisher coverage), City Building Department (Certificate of Temporary Use), and Public Safety. A temporary inspection fee is charged per booth / mechanical amusement. (3) City-owned property — Operation in City parks, public plazas, or City Hall grounds requires advance approval from the City and coordination with the Special Services Department (248-473-1800). (4) Public right-of-way — Operation from any public street, sidewalk, intersection, or right-of-way is prohibited; Chapter 26 prohibits private commercial use of the public right-of-way without a permit, and the Sec. 22-119 special-event framework does not authorize roadside vending without a street-closure approval. (5) Residential zones — Food trucks may not operate as a stand-alone commercial use in residential zoning districts under Chapter 34, except as a permitted use at an authorized special event (e.g., a homeowners' association festival on private common area with required approvals). (6) Fire-safety operating standards — The City Fire Marshal (248-871-2810) enforces the 2015 International Fire Code as adopted, with required Class 2A-10B:C extinguisher (Class K for deep frying), clearance from buildings and combustibles, and LP gas-cylinder compliance with NFPA 58. (7) State / county compliance — The MDARD MFE or STFU license must be current; the STFU Notification of Intent to Operate must be filed with the Oakland County Health Division at least 4 business days before vending; two paid Health Division evaluations per licensing year are required for STFUs. Continuous amplified sound is also restricted under Chapter 19 noise rules. The City does not publish a fixed buffer distance between food trucks and brick-and-mortar restaurants.