Fort Wayne
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Fort Wayne
Renew your permits annually and ensure compliance with zoning and parking regulations.
Ensure your food truck has necessary equipment, such as handwashing stations and waste disposal systems.
Pass an annual health inspection conducted by the Fort Wayne-Allen County Health Department.
Obtain a Mobile Food Vendor Permit from the Fort Wayne City Clerk's Office.
Display your food truck permit visibly while operating.
Ensure the food truck complies with fire safety regulations, including having a functioning fire suppression system if using cooking equipment.
Complete a Food Protection Manager Certification Course approved by the Fort Wayne Health Department.
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Fort Wayne
Food trucks in Fort Wayne must obtain a Mobile Food Vendor Permit issued by the Fort Wayne City Clerk's Office.
Types of Permits:
Mobile Food Vendor Permit (City of Fort Wayne).
Health Permit (Fort Wayne-Allen County Health Department).
Fire Safety Inspection (Fort Wayne Fire Department).
Zoning/Location Permit (if applicable).
Steps for Obtaining the Permit:
Submit a completed application to the Fort Wayne City Clerk's Office for the Mobile Food Vendor Permit.
Pass an inspection by the Fort Wayne-Allen County Health Department to ensure the food truck meets all health and safety standards.
Complete an approved Food Protection Manager Certification Course.
Schedule a fire safety inspection with the Fort Wayne Fire Department if your truck has cooking equipment like grills, fryers, or other heating elements.
Ensure your food truck meets zoning requirements for location and parking.
Unique Rules/Conditions:
Food trucks are restricted from operating in certain areas, including public parks, without proper zoning or special event permits.
Operators are limited to specific operating hours in certain zones, which may vary.
Cost of Business Permit
$325
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Fort Wayne
Inspections: Food trucks must pass an inspection by the Fort Wayne-Allen County Health Department (FWAH). Inspections are typically annual and focus on food storage, cleanliness, cooking equipment, refrigeration, and sanitation practices.
Food Safety Certifications: Operators are required to complete a Food Protection Manager Certification approved by the FWAH.
Truck-Specific Requirements:
An onboard handwashing station with soap and paper towels.
A waste disposal system compliant with health regulations.
A functioning fire suppression system if the food truck uses cooking equipment like grills or fryers.
Proof of using a licensed commissary kitchen for food preparation and storage.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Fort Wayne
Food trucks in Fort Wayne are generally allowed to operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. within designated areas, though extended hours may be allowed for special events with prior approval.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Fort Wayne
Food trucks that use propane, grills, deep fryers, or any other cooking equipment must undergo an inspection by the Fort Wayne Fire Department to ensure compliance with fire safety standards.
A fire suppression system may be required, depending on the type of cooking equipment in the truck.
A fire safety certificate may also be required before operating.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Fort Wayne
Food trucks must adhere to zoning laws and may require additional permits if they plan to operate in public parks or certain restricted areas.
Trucks are prohibited from operating near schools and other sensitive locations during specific hours.
Special events may require additional permits, and trucks may be allowed extended operating hours during these events.
Operators should be aware of street parking regulations that may impact where they can set up and serve food.
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.