Cleveland
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Cleveland
• Display all required permits visibly on the truck during operations.
• Ensure your food truck meets Cleveland’s fire safety regulations, including inspections and required equipment.
• Complete a food safety certification course before submitting your application.
• Obtain a Mobile Food Vendor License from the City of Cleveland.
• Follow local zoning regulations to ensure you are operating in authorized locations.
• Register for an Ohio Sales Tax Permit to collect sales tax.
• Pass a health inspection conducted by the Cleveland Department of Public Health.
.png){kind=small}
City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Cleveland
In Cleveland, Ohio, food trucks are required to obtain several permits to operate:
Mobile Food Vendor License: A Mobile Food Vendor License is issued by the City of Cleveland and allows vendors to operate legally within the city.
Health Permit: A health inspection by the Cleveland Department of Public Health is required to ensure food safety standards are met.
Ohio Sales Tax Permit: Issued by the State of Ohio, this permit allows food trucks to collect sales tax on food sold.
Commissary Kitchen: Food trucks are required to prepare food in a licensed commissary kitchen for storage and cleaning.
Steps for Obtaining Permits:
Submit a Mobile Food Vendor application to the City of Cleveland.
Pass an inspection from the Cleveland Department of Public Health.
Provide proof of using a licensed commissary kitchen.
Obtain an Ohio Sales Tax Permit.
Schedule a fire safety inspection if the truck has cooking equipment.
Unique Conditions: Food trucks must comply with Cleveland’s zoning regulations, which may include restrictions on where trucks can park and operate. Additionally, food trucks are prohibited from operating in certain residential areas or within a set distance of schools.
Cost of Business Permit
$250
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
.png){kind=small}
Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Cleveland
Inspections: Food trucks must undergo an annual health inspection by the Cleveland Department of Public Health. The inspection covers food safety, cleanliness, and equipment standards such as refrigeration and cooking appliances.
Food Safety Certifications: Operators are required to complete a food safety certification course approved by the city before applying for their permit.
Truck-Specific Requirements:
A handwashing station with hot and cold running water is required in the truck.
Waste disposal systems, including grease traps and proper sewage handling, must be in place.
Food must be prepared and stored in a licensed commissary kitchen, and proper temperature controls must be maintained for both hot and cold food.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Cleveland
Food trucks are permitted to operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in most areas, with extended hours in event zones or high-traffic districts
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Cleveland
Food trucks that use cooking equipment such as grills, deep fryers, or propane must schedule a fire safety inspection with the Cleveland Fire Department. Trucks are required to have fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, and proper ventilation. A fire safety certificate may also be necessary before operating.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Cleveland
Food trucks must adhere to Cleveland’s parking and zoning regulations, which restrict food truck operations near schools, churches, and residential areas.
Special permits may be required for food trucks operating at events, festivals, or in high-traffic zones.
Trucks are prohibited from operating within 200 feet of a school during school hours.
Cleveland encourages food truck operators to check the city’s special events calendar for temporary operating permissions.
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.