St. Louis
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in St. Louis
Adhere to local operating hours and location-specific rules, including obtaining temporary permits for special events.
Use a licensed commissary kitchen for food preparation and storage.
Ensure compliance with zoning and location restrictions, including staying a certain distance from schools and other restricted areas.
Obtain a Mobile Food Vending Permit from the St. Louis Department of Public Safety.
Display all required permits on the food truck while operating.
Ensure the food truck is equipped with sanitation facilities, such as a handwashing station.
Submit a Food Truck Permit Application and pass a health inspection through the St. Louis City Health Department.
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in St. Louis
To legally operate a food truck in St. Louis, Missouri, food truck operators must apply for a Mobile Food Vending Permit issued by the St. Louis Department of Public Safety. This process involves completing a Food Truck Permit Application, which can be accessed on the official St. Louis website. Operators must also submit to a health inspection conducted by the St. Louis City Health Department to ensure the food truck complies with food safety regulations.
In addition to the general operating permit, food trucks must comply with zoning regulations that dictate where they can park and operate. There are restrictions on operating near schools, residential areas, and other designated areas. Temporary event permits are also required for food trucks operating at festivals, fairs, or other special events.
Food truck operators must ensure that their vehicles meet all health, fire safety, and sanitation standards, including the use of a licensed commissary kitchen for food storage and preparation.
Cost of Business Permit
$500
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in St. Louis
Food trucks in St. Louis are required to pass an annual health inspection by the St. Louis City Health Department. The inspection includes a review of food safety practices such as food storage, cooking standards, refrigeration, and sanitation.
Food truck operators must complete a Food Protection Manager Certification before applying for the health permit. In addition, the truck must have a handwashing station, waste disposal system, and proper food storage equipment.
Food trucks must also use a licensed commissary kitchen for food preparation and storage. Trucks with cooking equipment like grills or fryers are subject to additional fire inspections and must meet safety standards, including having fire extinguishers and suppression systems on board.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in St. Louis
Mobile food vendors in good standing shall be allowed to operate between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. (or by sunset—whichever is earliest) seven days a week.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in St. Louis
Food trucks in St. Louis with cooking equipment (such as grills, fryers, or stoves) must pass an inspection by the St. Louis Fire Department. These trucks must have fire extinguishers, a fire suppression system, and other fire safety equipment installed. A fire safety inspection and certificate are required to ensure compliance with local fire codes.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in St. Louis
Food trucks operating in St. Louis must comply with local zoning and parking restrictions. They are prohibited from operating within 200 feet of school entrances during school hours and must follow guidelines for event-specific permits when participating in festivals, fairs, or special events. Operators should also ensure that they follow any local ordinances related to noise levels, food waste disposal, and public health safety. Additionally, food trucks are expected to comply with parking regulations to avoid fines or violations.
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.