Lansing
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Lansing
Renew the business license and mobile food vendor permit annually.
Ensure compliance with Fire Safety Regulations, including having fire extinguishers and suppression systems for cooking equipment.
Complete a Food Safety Certification course as required by the State of Michigan.
Obtain a Business License from the City of Lansing’s Clerk’s Office.
Adhere to zoning and location restrictions, particularly around schools, parks, or residential areas.
Pass an Annual Health Inspection by the Ingham County Health Department.
Apply for a Mobile Food Vendor Permit from the City of Lansing’s Health Department.
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Lansing
Required Permits:
Business License – All food trucks operating in Lansing must obtain a business license through the City of Lansing Clerk’s Office.
Mobile Food Vendor Permit – Issued by the City of Lansing’s Health Department, this permit is required for food trucks to operate in the city.
Steps for Obtaining Permits:
Business License – Submit an application and pay the required fees to the City of Lansing’s Clerk’s Office.
Mobile Food Vendor Permit – Apply for the permit through the Lansing Health Department. The application requires proof of food safety certification, compliance with local health and safety standards, and proof of business insurance.
Health Inspection – Schedule and pass an inspection with the Ingham County Health Department. The inspection ensures compliance with food safety standards, including sanitation, food storage, and waste disposal.
Fire Safety Inspection – Food trucks that use cooking equipment, such as grills, fryers, or propane tanks, must pass a fire safety inspection with the Lansing Fire Department. Fire extinguishers and suppression systems must meet local safety codes.
Unique Rules/Conditions:
Food trucks in Lansing must adhere to zoning laws that regulate where they can operate, including proximity to schools, parks, and residential areas. Operators may also need special permits for temporary locations or special events.
Cost of Business Permit
$192
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Lansing
Inspections:
Food trucks in Lansing must undergo an annual health inspection conducted by the Ingham County Health Department. The inspection checks food safety practices such as food handling, sanitation, food storage, and waste disposal.
Food Safety Certification:
Operators are required to complete a Food Safety Certification course recognized by the State of Michigan, ensuring they understand food safety standards and regulations.
Truck-Specific Requirements:
Food trucks must meet health requirements such as handwashing stations, proper waste disposal systems, and refrigeration for food storage. Cooking equipment must also comply with health and safety regulations.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Lansing
Food trucks in Lansing may operate from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., but special events or temporary operations may have extended hours with a permit.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Lansing
Fire Safety Inspections:
Food trucks using cooking equipment, such as grills, fryers, or propane tanks, must pass a fire safety inspection with the Lansing Fire Department. The truck must have fire extinguishers and suppression systems that comply with local fire safety codes. A fire safety certificate may be required.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Lansing
Zoning and Location:
Food trucks must comply with zoning regulations in Lansing, which may restrict operations in certain areas such as near schools or residential zones. Operators should verify approved locations before operating.
Special Events:
Additional permits may be required for food trucks operating at festivals, fairs, or other special events. These permits may have different operational rules, including location restrictions and specific hours of operation.
Temporary Operations:
Food trucks operating temporarily or at pop-up locations must obtain additional permits. These permits are typically issued for temporary events or seasonal operations in public areas.
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.