Lincoln
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Lincoln
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Lincoln
Food trucks in Lincoln, Nebraska, must acquire the following permits:
Mobile Food Unit Permit: Issued by the City of Lincoln. This permit is required to legally operate a food truck within the city limits. The application process involves submitting an application, paying the required fees, and providing necessary documentation such as proof of food safety certification and passing a health inspection.
Food Safety Certification: Operators must complete a Food Protection Manager Certification. Certification from an accredited provider, such as ServSafe, ensures that food handling, safety, and sanitation practices are followed on the truck.
Health Inspection: A health inspection is required by the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department. Inspections cover food safety, equipment cleanliness, and compliance with sanitation requirements, including proper food storage and refrigeration.
Commissary Kitchen: All food trucks must operate out of a licensed commissary kitchen. This is where food is stored and prepared, and it must meet all local health department standards.
Business License: Food truck operators may also need a general business license issued by the City of Lincoln, depending on the nature of the operation.
Cost of Business Permit
$200
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Lincoln
Food trucks in Lincoln must meet these health-related standards:
Inspections: Food trucks must pass an initial inspection and undergo annual inspections by the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department. These inspections focus on food safety, cleanliness, and equipment compliance, such as refrigeration and cooking appliances.
Food Protection Manager Certification: At least one person on the food truck (typically the operator) must hold a Food Protection Manager Certification. This ensures that food safety protocols are followed at all times.
Truck-Specific Requirements: The food truck must have an onboard handwashing station, waste disposal systems, and meet the sanitation standards set forth by local regulations. All food must be prepared in a licensed commissary kitchen.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Lincoln
Food trucks can operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. but may be subject to specific zoning and location-based restrictions depending on the area. Special event hours may be longer with additional permits.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Lincoln
Fire inspections are required for food trucks using cooking equipment such as grills, fryers, or propane tanks. The Lincoln Fire Department inspects these trucks to ensure compliance with local fire safety codes.
Food trucks must have fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, and other required fire safety equipment. A fire safety certificate may be required for food trucks with cooking equipment.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Lincoln
Zoning Restrictions: Food trucks in Lincoln must comply with local zoning regulations, which dictate where they can operate. These regulations may prohibit food trucks from operating near schools, parks, or in residential areas without a permit. Special zones, like food truck parks, may allow trucks to operate without these restrictions.
Special Event Permits: Food trucks wishing to operate at festivals, fairs, or other public events may need additional special event permits. Event organizers typically provide these permits and may set specific time and location-based restrictions.
Parking Restrictions: Food trucks must comply with city parking restrictions, which may vary depending on the location. Certain areas or streets may have restrictions on food truck operations, particularly those near public facilities or high-traffic areas.
Temporary Permits: Food trucks operating at temporary events (such as fairs and festivals) may need specific temporary food establishment permits. These permits are required to ensure compliance with food safety and health standards during special 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.
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