St. Paul
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in St. Paul
Renew your Mobile Food Vendor License annually.
Ensure the food truck complies with local zoning regulations and location restrictions.
Pass an initial health inspection conducted by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) or Ramsey County Public Health.
Obtain a Mobile Food Vendor License from the City of St. Paul.
Obtain a fire inspection if using cooking equipment such as grills or fryers.
Use a licensed commissary kitchen for food storage and preparation.
Complete a Food Manager Certification (required for operators or key staff).
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in St. Paul
Food trucks in St. Paul must obtain the following permits to legally operate:
Mobile Food Vendor License: Issued by the City of St. Paul. This is required for any food truck operating within the city. The application involves submitting an application form, paying the necessary fees, and providing required documents like proof of insurance and food safety certification.
Food Safety Certification: Operators must complete a Food Manager Certification (e.g., ServSafe). This is required to ensure that the food truck meets all food handling and safety standards.
Health Inspection: A health inspection is required by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) or Ramsey County Public Health. The inspection includes food storage, food preparation, and sanitation checks.
Commissary Kitchen: Food trucks are required to operate out of a licensed commissary kitchen for food storage and preparation, which must meet local health standards.
Business License: A general business license may also be required by the City of St. Paul, depending on the nature of your operation.
Cost of Business Permit
$200-$300
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in St. Paul
Food trucks in St. Paul must follow these health-related standards:
Inspections: Food trucks must pass an annual health inspection, conducted by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) or Ramsey County Public Health. The inspection checks food safety, sanitation, and compliance with food storage and cooking equipment standards.
Food Manager Certification: Operators must have a Food Manager Certification from an accredited program like ServSafe.
Truck-Specific Requirements: Trucks must have an onboard handwashing station, waste disposal systems, and meet health standards for food storage and refrigeration. The truck must also comply with sanitation requirements, and food must be prepared and stored in a licensed commissary kitchen.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in St. Paul
Food trucks in St. Paul typically operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., but specific hours may be subject to zoning regulations and location restrictions. Extended hours may be allowed for special events with additional permits.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in St. Paul
Fire inspections are required for food trucks using cooking equipment, including grills, fryers, or propane tanks. The St. Paul Fire Department conducts inspections to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
Vendors must have appropriate fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, and meet local fire safety codes. A fire safety certificate is required for trucks using cooking equipment.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in St. Paul
Zoning Restrictions: Food trucks must comply with local zoning regulations, which dictate where food trucks can park and operate. These rules may prohibit parking near schools, residential areas, or specific streets.
Special Events: Food trucks wishing to operate at public events, festivals, or fairs may require additional permits, and organizers often provide specific guidelines and location-based restrictions.
Parking Restrictions: Food trucks must park in designated zones as per city regulations. This may include restrictions on parking times or areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
Seasonal Permitting: Food trucks may face seasonal zoning or permit changes during certain times of the year, such as during winter months or high-traffic festival seasons.
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.