Dearborn
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Dearborn
Renew licenses annually to remain compliant.
Ensure your food truck has the required sanitation facilities, such as a handwashing station and proper waste disposal systems.
Pass a health inspection by the Wayne County Health Department or a certified inspector.
Obtain a Mobile Food Vendor License from the City of Dearborn.
Complete a fire safety inspection if using cooking equipment, such as grills or fryers.
Comply with zoning laws for where the food truck is allowed to operate.
Submit proof of liability insurance and business registration.
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Dearborn
To legally operate a food truck in Dearborn, Michigan, the following permits and processes are required:
Mobile Food Vendor License: This permit is required to legally operate a food truck within the city. It is issued by the City of Dearborn.
Application Process:
Submit a completed Mobile Food Vendor License application to the City of Dearborn.
Provide proof of liability insurance and business registration.
Health inspection: The Wayne County Health Department must conduct an inspection of the truck for compliance with food safety regulations.
Ensure that your food truck complies with zoning laws regarding where and when it can operate.
Fire safety inspection: Required for trucks using equipment like grills, fryers, or propane tanks.
Unique Conditions:
Food trucks must comply with local zoning restrictions, including rules about where food trucks can park and operate, such as distance from schools, parks, or residential areas.
Special event permits may be required for operating at festivals or events in Dearborn.
Cost of Business Permit
$250
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Dearborn
Inspections: Food trucks must pass an initial health inspection and subsequent annual inspections by the Wayne County Health Department. Inspections cover food safety, sanitation, and food storage standards.
Food Safety Certifications: Operators must have a Food Protection Manager Certification or similar approved food safety course.
Truck-Specific Requirements:
Trucks must have an onboard handwashing station with hot and cold running water.
A waste disposal system for trash and gray water must be in place.
Trucks must meet food storage requirements to maintain safe temperatures for both hot and cold food.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Dearborn
Food trucks are allowed to operate from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. unless otherwise specified by a special event permit or zoning approval.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Dearborn
Food trucks with cooking equipment, such as grills, deep fryers, or propane tanks, must undergo a fire safety inspection by the Dearborn Fire Department.
Trucks must have fire extinguishers and fire suppression systems that comply with local fire codes.
A fire safety certificate may be required before starting operations if using equipment that poses a fire risk.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Dearborn
Food trucks must comply with local zoning laws, particularly regarding their location near schools or residential zones.
For special events, additional permits or requirements may apply, such as restrictions on operating hours or proximity to other vendors.
Temporary permits may be needed for food trucks operating at festivals, fairs, or other large public events.
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.