Boulder
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Boulder
Renew your permits annually to maintain operational status.
Ensure compliance with zoning laws for where you can park and operate.
Submit proof of a valid commissary kitchen for food preparation and storage.
Obtain a Mobile Food Vehicle License from the City of Boulder’s Licensing Department.
Complete all required fire safety inspections if using cooking equipment such as grills or fryers.
Obtain liability insurance coverage as required by the city.
Complete and pass a health inspection to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Boulder
Food trucks in Boulder, Colorado, require several permits to operate:
Mobile Food Vehicle License: This is the primary permit for operating a food truck in Boulder. The license is issued by the City of Boulder’s Licensing Department and includes specific requirements like health and fire safety inspections.
Application Process:
Submit the completed application for a mobile food vehicle license.
Provide proof of insurance and a licensed commissary kitchen for food storage and preparation.
Pass a health inspection, which covers food safety practices and cleanliness.
Complete a fire safety inspection if your truck uses cooking equipment.
Zoning review: Ensure the location where the truck will operate complies with local zoning laws.
Unique Conditions:
Food trucks must comply with zoning laws, ensuring they are allowed to operate in certain areas and may have specific time-based restrictions.
Some locations may require special event permits for operating during festivals or large gatherings.
Limited number of licenses: Depending on demand, the city may limit the number of mobile food vehicle licenses issued, and applicants may need to join a waiting list.
Cost of Business Permit
$385
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Boulder
Inspections: All food trucks must undergo an annual health inspection conducted by the City of Boulder Health Department. Inspections focus on food storage, cleanliness, and compliance with sanitation practices.
Food Safety Certifications: Operators are required to complete a Food Protection Manager Certification or similar approved food safety course before applying for a license.
Truck-Specific Requirements:
Trucks must have a handwashing station with hot and cold running water.
A proper waste disposal system for both gray water and trash must be in place.
Trucks must operate from a licensed commissary kitchen unless granted an exemption.
Sanitation: Ensure food storage areas, equipment, and trucks are maintained in a clean and hygienic manner.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Boulder
Food trucks are allowed to operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Additional operating hours may be allowed for special events or in designated entertainment districts.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Boulder
Food trucks using cooking equipment such as grills, fryers, or propane tanks must undergo a fire safety inspection conducted by the Boulder Fire Department.
Food trucks must have fire extinguishers, suppression systems, and all equipment must meet fire safety standards.
Fire safety certificates may be required before beginning operations if using equipment that poses a fire risk.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Boulder
Food trucks must adhere to zoning laws, including restrictions on where trucks can park and operate. Certain areas may have specific time or location-based restrictions (e.g., near schools, parks, or residential zones).
Special event permits may be required for food trucks operating during festivals or city-sponsored events.
Truck size limitations: Some locations may restrict the size of trucks allowed in certain zones.
Seasonal considerations: Food trucks may need additional permits for seasonal operations or when participating in temporary markets or festivals.
The information on this page is collected through collaboration with local food truck owners and occasional voluntary submissions from local government and health officials. Food Truck Profit is not a government agency and cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. All food truck owners are strongly encouraged to consult directly with local government officials, including fire and health departments, to ensure compliance with all regulations. Food Truck Profit assumes no liability for errors or omissions in the content provided.