Concord
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Concord
Renew the business license and mobile food establishment permit annually.
Ensure compliance with Fire Safety Regulations, including fire extinguishers and suppression systems for cooking equipment.
Complete a Food Safety Certification course recognized by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).
Obtain a Business License from the City of Concord’s Business License Division.
Adhere to zoning and location restrictions, especially near schools, parks, or residential areas.
Pass an Annual Health Inspection by the Cabarrus County Health Department.
Apply for a Mobile Food Establishment Permit from the Cabarrus County Health Department.
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Concord
Required Permits:
Business License – All food truck operators in Concord must obtain a business license from the City of Concord’s Business License Division.
Mobile Food Establishment Permit – This permit is issued by the Cabarrus County Health Department, which regulates food truck operations in Concord.
Steps for Obtaining Permits:
Business License – Submit an application and pay the required fees to the City of Concord’s Business License Division.
Mobile Food Establishment Permit – Apply for the permit through the Cabarrus County Health Department. The application requires food safety certification, proof of insurance, and compliance with local health and safety standards.
Health Inspection – Schedule and pass an inspection with the Cabarrus County Health Department. The inspection checks for food safety compliance, including food handling, sanitation, and waste disposal.
Fire Safety Inspection – Food trucks using cooking equipment, such as grills, fryers, or propane tanks, must pass a fire safety inspection with the Concord Fire Department. The truck must have fire extinguishers and suppression systems that meet local fire safety codes.
Unique Rules/Conditions:
Food trucks must comply with zoning laws that restrict where food trucks can operate. They may also need special permits for operating at special events or temporary locations.
Cost of Business Permit
$175
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Concord
Inspections:
Food trucks must undergo an annual health inspection by the Cabarrus County Health Department. Inspections cover food storage, handling, sanitation, and waste disposal systems to ensure compliance with North Carolina food safety regulations.
Food Safety Certification:
Operators are required to complete a Food Safety Certification course recognized by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). This ensures that operators understand food safety regulations and safe food handling practices.
Truck-Specific Requirements:
Food trucks must have handwashing stations, adequate waste disposal systems, and refrigeration for food storage. Cooking equipment must meet safety standards set by local health and fire departments.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Concord
In North Carolina, food trucks can operate on private property from 6 a.m–3 a.m, unless they are within 150 feet of a single or two-family home. On the public right-of-way, food trucks can operate from 10 a.m–3 p.m every day, except for the First Friday Festival when they can operate from 4–8 p.m.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Concord
Fire Safety Inspections:
Food trucks with cooking equipment, such as grills, fryers, or propane tanks, must pass a fire safety inspection by the Concord Fire Department. The fire inspection ensures that the truck has fire extinguishers, suppression systems, and other safety equipment in compliance with local fire safety standards. A fire safety certificate may be required before operation.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Concord
Zoning and Location:
Food trucks must comply with local zoning laws in Concord, which may restrict where they can park or operate. Food trucks may not be allowed near schools, parks, or residential areas without specific permits.
Special Events:
Additional permits are required for food trucks operating at special events, fairs, or festivals. These permits may include specific operational hours, location restrictions, and health and safety standards.
Temporary Operations:
For food trucks operating temporarily, such as in pop-up locations or at seasonal events, additional temporary permits may be necessary. These permits often specify the location, hours of operation, and additional requirements for compliance.
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.