Lexington
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Lexington
• Display all required permits visibly on your truck during operations.
• Ensure your food truck complies with Lexington’s fire safety regulations, including inspections and required equipment.
• Complete a food safety certification course before submitting your application.
• Obtain a Mobile Food Vendor Permit from the City of Lexington.
• Follow local zoning regulations to ensure you are operating in authorized locations.
• Register for a Kentucky Sales Tax Permit to collect sales tax.
• Pass a health inspection conducted by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department.
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Lexington
In Lexington, Kentucky, food trucks must acquire the following permits to legally operate:
Mobile Food Vendor Permit: This permit is issued by the City of Lexington and is required for operating a food truck within city limits.
Health Permit: A health inspection by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is required to ensure that the food truck meets food safety standards.
Kentucky Sales Tax Permit: Issued by the Kentucky Department of Revenue, this permit allows food trucks to collect sales tax on food sold.
Commissary Kitchen: Food trucks must use a licensed commissary kitchen for food storage and preparation.
Steps for Obtaining Permits:
Submit an application for a Mobile Food Vendor Permit to the City of Lexington.
Pass a health inspection conducted by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department.
Provide proof of using a licensed commissary kitchen.
Obtain a Kentucky Sales Tax Permit from the Kentucky Department of Revenue.
Schedule a fire safety inspection if your truck uses cooking equipment.
Unique Conditions: Lexington has zoning restrictions that may limit where food trucks can operate, especially near schools, parks, and residential areas. Food trucks are also prohibited from operating in certain areas without a special event or location-based permit.
Cost of Business Permit
$200
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Lexington
Inspections: Food trucks must pass an annual health inspection conducted by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department. The inspection covers food safety, cleanliness, food storage, and equipment standards such as refrigeration and cooking appliances.
Food Safety Certifications: Operators are required to complete a food safety certification course approved by the local health department before applying for the permit.
Truck-Specific Requirements:
A handwashing station with hot and cold running water must be available in the truck.
Waste disposal systems, including grease and sewage disposal, must be in place.
Food must be prepared and stored in a licensed commissary kitchen.
Food trucks must maintain proper temperature controls for both hot and cold food storage.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Lexington
Food trucks are allowed to operate from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with extended hours allowed for special events or in designated high-traffic districts.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Lexington
Food trucks using cooking equipment such as grills, fryers, or propane must undergo a fire safety inspection by the Lexington Fire Department. Fire extinguishers, suppression systems, and proper ventilation are required. A fire safety certificate must be obtained before operating.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Lexington
Lexington has specific zoning and location-based restrictions, which include restrictions on operating near schools, parks, and residential areas.
Food trucks operating in designated event zones or during public gatherings may require additional permits.
The city encourages food truck operators to check for event-based permits or temporary operating permissions in high-traffic or seasonal locations.
Special conditions may apply if operating in certain business districts or entertainment zones.
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.