Thornton
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Thornton
Display all necessary permits and licenses visibly on the food truck.
Renew your Mobile Food Truck Business License annually.
Pass an annual health inspection conducted by the Tri-County Health Department.
Obtain a Mobile Food Truck Business License from the City of Thornton.
Adhere to parking restrictions and avoid operating in restricted areas such as schools, parks, or within residential zones without additional permits.
Ensure the food truck operates from a licensed commissary kitchen for food preparation, storage, and waste disposal.
Complete a Food Safety Certification course approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
.png){kind=small}
City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Thornton
Mobile Food Truck Business License: To operate a food truck in Thornton, operators must obtain a Mobile Food Truck Business License from the City of Thornton's Business Licensing Department.
Steps to Obtain: Submit an application for the business license through the City of Thornton, provide proof of liability insurance, and submit to a background check. Operators must also complete a Food Safety Certification course approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). A health inspection from the Tri-County Health Department is required as well.
Unique Rules: Thornton has specific zoning laws for food trucks, including where they can park and sell food. Trucks cannot operate within certain residential zones or in proximity to schools or parks unless granted special permits. The city may also restrict food trucks from operating near other food establishments during specific hours.
Cost of Business Permit
$250
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
.png){kind=small}
Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Thornton
Inspections: Food trucks must pass an annual health inspection conducted by the Tri-County Health Department. Inspections ensure compliance with food safety regulations, including food storage, sanitation, refrigeration, and equipment maintenance.
Food Safety Certification: Operators are required to complete a Food Safety Certification program approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) before operating the food truck. This certification ensures that food handlers understand safe food practices.
Truck-Specific Requirements: Food trucks must have an onboard handwashing station, proper waste disposal systems, and maintain clean food storage and preparation areas. Additionally, food trucks must be equipped with the necessary refrigeration and heating equipment that meets health standards.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Thornton
Food trucks in Thornton are generally allowed to operate from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Extended hours may apply with special permits for events or specific locations.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Thornton
Fire Inspections: Food trucks that use cooking equipment (e.g., grills, fryers, or propane tanks) must undergo a fire inspection with the Thornton Fire Department.
Vendors must ensure they have proper fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, and equipment that meets local fire safety standards.
A fire safety certificate is required for trucks that use any cooking equipment that involves open flames or potentially flammable materials.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Thornton
Location and Zoning Restrictions: Thornton has specific zoning laws that designate where food trucks can park and operate. Trucks are prohibited from operating within certain residential areas, schools, and parks unless they have special permits. Food trucks are also restricted from parking too close to other food establishments during certain hours.
Special Event Permits: Food trucks wishing to operate at special events or festivals in Thornton need to obtain additional permits from the event organizers. These may include requirements for health inspections, fire safety checks, or parking permissions.
Event Regulations: Thornton requires food trucks to apply for special event permits for festivals or markets. Each event may have unique requirements, such as fees, rules regarding the location of trucks, and operational hours.
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.