Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Dayton
Display all required permits and certificates visibly on the truck during operation.
Operate from an approved commissary kitchen for food storage and preparation.
Complete a certified food safety course and provide proof of certification.
Obtain a Mobile Food Vendor Permit from the City of Dayton.
Comply with Dayton’s zoning, parking, and time-based regulations for food trucks.
Pass a health inspection conducted by the Montgomery County Health Department or the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).
Submit a completed mobile food vending application along with necessary documents, including a valid business license, proof of food safety certification, and health inspection certificate.
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Dayton
To operate a food truck in Dayton, vendors must obtain a Mobile Food Vendor Permit from the City of Dayton. The application process involves submitting a completed form, providing a valid business license, proof of food safety certification, and passing a health inspection conducted by the Montgomery County Health Department or the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). Additionally, food trucks are required to operate from a licensed commissary kitchen for food storage and preparation. Dayton enforces specific zoning and parking regulations, which may restrict where food trucks can park and operate, especially near schools or residential areas. All necessary permits and certificates must be displayed on the truck while operating.
Cost of Business Permit
$100
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Dayton
Food trucks in Dayton must pass an inspection conducted by the Montgomery County Health Department or the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). Inspections ensure compliance with food safety standards, including proper food storage, cleanliness, and safety of cooking equipment. Operators are required to complete a food safety certification course before applying for the permit. Trucks must include handwashing stations, waste disposal systems, and comply with health code standards for refrigeration and food safety equipment. All food must be prepared and stored in an approved commissary kitchen.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Dayton
Food trucks in Dayton are generally allowed to operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., though extended hours may be allowed for special events or in specific high-traffic zones.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Dayton
Food trucks with cooking equipment, such as grills, fryers, or propane tanks, must undergo a fire safety inspection by the Dayton Fire Department. The fire department ensures that the truck is equipped with the necessary fire extinguishers, suppression systems, and complies with fire safety standards. A fire safety certificate may be required before operating, particularly for trucks using propane or other heating equipment.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Dayton
Food trucks in Dayton must comply with local zoning laws that may restrict where they can operate, especially near schools, hospitals, or residential zones. Food trucks must follow parking regulations and adhere to time-based restrictions in high-traffic areas or near events. Vendors wishing to operate during special events must apply for event-specific permits. It’s important to check with the City of Dayton for detailed parking, location-specific, and event-based requirements.
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.