Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Durham
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Durham
Food trucks in Durham require several permits to operate legally:
Mobile Food Unit Permit: Issued by the Durham County Health Department. This permit is required to legally operate a mobile food unit within city limits. The application process involves submitting a completed application form, proof of food safety certification, and passing a health inspection.
Food Protection Manager Certification: One person (typically the operator) must hold a Food Protection Manager Certification. This ensures that food safety standards are maintained on the food truck. Certification can be obtained through programs like ServSafe.
Health Inspection: The Durham County Health Department conducts inspections of food trucks to ensure they meet health and sanitation standards. This includes food storage, equipment cleanliness, and proper food handling practices.
Commissary Kitchen: All food trucks must operate from a licensed commissary kitchen, which is used for food storage, food preparation, and cleaning of equipment. The kitchen must pass health inspections to ensure food safety.
Business License: In addition to the mobile food unit permit, a business license may be required, depending on the nature and structure of the food truck operation.
Cost of Business Permit
$250
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Durham
Food trucks in Durham must meet these health-related standards:
Inspections: Food trucks must pass an initial and annual health inspection conducted by the Durham County Health Department. Inspections focus on food safety, cleanliness, food storage, and compliance with local health codes.
Food Protection Manager Certification: One person on the food truck must have a Food Protection Manager Certification. This ensures food safety practices are adhered to, such as proper food handling, sanitation, and temperature control.
Truck-Specific Requirements: The truck must have an onboard handwashing station, proper waste disposal systems, and meet sanitation and food safety standards. All food must be prepared and stored in a licensed commissary kitchen.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Durham
Food trucks in Durham typically operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., but hours may be subject to zoning laws and special event permits. Some areas may have additional restrictions on operating hours.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Durham
Fire inspections are required for food trucks using cooking equipment, including grills, fryers, or propane tanks. The Durham Fire Department conducts these inspections to ensure fire safety standards are met.
Vendors must ensure they have appropriate fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, and other fire safety equipment. A fire safety certificate may also be required for trucks with cooking equipment.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Durham
Zoning Restrictions: Food trucks must comply with Durham's local zoning regulations, which may restrict where trucks can operate. These zoning rules typically address issues such as the distance from schools, parks, or residential areas. Food trucks may be prohibited from operating in certain zones without prior approval.
Special Event Permits: Food trucks that wish to operate at special events or festivals must apply for additional temporary event permits. Event organizers typically coordinate these permits, and food trucks may be subject to special location or time-based restrictions.
Parking Restrictions: Food trucks must park in designated zones as per city regulations. They may be required to park in specific commercial zones or designated food truck parks during business 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.
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