Mobile, AL Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Vending Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Restaurant buffer
- 150 feet from seating area
- Allowed zone
- Right-of-way parking spaces
- Also allowed
- Approved city-owned property
- Penalty
- $150 fine, § 57-54
Summary
Mobile food trucks may set up in right-of-way parking spaces, on approved city property, or wherever zoning allows, but not within 150 feet of a restaurant's seating area.
Subject to the restrictions and limitations set forth in this division, food trucks may operate in parking spaces within the public right-of-way, on city-owned property at locations and times as may be approved by the city department in primary control of such property, and in such other areas as may be permitted by the city's zoning ordinance. Provided, that food trucks may not operate on the public right-of-way within one hundred fifty (150) feet of the seating area of any type of restaurant...located within or attached to a permanent structure or building.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 67).
Full Breakdown
Section 57-52 of the Mobile, Alabama (Mobile County) code lets food trucks operate in parking spaces within the public right-of-way, on city-owned property at locations and times approved by the controlling city department, and in any other area the zoning ordinance permits. The one hard restriction: a food truck cannot operate in the public right-of-way within 150 feet of the seating area of a restaurant housed in a permanent building, a buffer meant to protect brick-and-mortar dining establishments from curbside competition right outside their door.
Violations & Fines
Operating within the 150-foot restaurant buffer or outside an approved location violates § 57-52; enforcement runs through the § 57-54 penalty of $150 per offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close can a food truck park to a restaurant in Mobile?
Where can food trucks legally operate in Mobile?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mobile
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