Buffalo
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Buffalo
Renew your permits annually and stay compliant with safety and zoning regulations.
Use a licensed commissary kitchen for food preparation and storage.
Complete a food safety certification course recognized by ECDOH.
Obtain a Mobile Food Vending Permit from the Buffalo Common Council.
Display your food truck permit visibly on your truck.
Ensure your food truck has necessary equipment like handwashing stations and waste disposal systems.
Pass a health inspection conducted by the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH).
.png){kind=small}
City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Buffalo
Food trucks in Buffalo must obtain a Mobile Food Vending Permit issued by the Buffalo Common Council.
Types of Permits:
Mobile Food Vending Permit (Buffalo Common Council).
Health Permit (Erie County Department of Health).
Location/Operating Permits (specific to the area you plan to operate in, such as public parks or streets).
Steps for Obtaining the Permit:
Submit a completed application for a mobile food vending permit to the Buffalo Common Council.
Undergo an inspection by the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) to ensure compliance with health standards, including food safety and equipment regulations.
Complete an approved food safety course.
Provide documentation of using a licensed commissary kitchen.
Unique Rules/Conditions:
Food trucks must comply with zoning and location rules, including restrictions on where they can park or operate.
The number of permits may be limited in specific areas, so applicants may need to wait for an available permit.
Cost of Business Permit
$1,000
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
.png){kind=small}
Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Buffalo
Inspections: Food trucks must undergo an inspection by the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) before receiving their permit. Inspections typically occur annually, and they cover food storage, cleanliness, and equipment standards such as refrigeration and cooking appliances.
Food Safety Certifications: Operators must complete a certified food protection course approved by the ECDOH before applying for their permit.
Truck-Specific Requirements: The food truck must have:
An onboard handwashing station with soap and paper towels.
A waste disposal system that adheres to health standards.
A licensed commissary kitchen for food preparation and storage.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Buffalo
Food trucks in Buffalo are typically permitted to operate from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., though restrictions may apply to specific zones or events.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Buffalo
Food trucks equipped with cooking or heating equipment (such as propane, grills, or deep fryers) are required to pass a fire inspection.
The Buffalo Fire Department will ensure the truck meets fire safety standards, including proper fire extinguishers, suppression systems, and equipment placement.
A fire safety certificate may be required before the food truck can start operating.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Buffalo
Food trucks are prohibited from operating within 200 feet of school entrances during school hours.
Zoning laws may restrict food trucks in certain high-traffic areas, including downtown Buffalo and near public events.
The truck must follow Buffalo’s street parking regulations, which can vary depending on location and time of day.
Seasonal events may require additional permits or changes to operating hours.
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.