To open a food truck in the state of Colorado, you will need to obtain several licenses and permits. These include a 'Retail Food Establishment -Mobile' license from the City and County of Denver, a retail food license from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE), and a Mobile Food Vendor License if you plan to operate in Colorado Springs. Additionally, you may need a zoning permit, a Colorado Sales Tax License, and approval from the El Paso County Health Department.
1. Retail Food Establishment -Mobile License
- Purpose: This license is required for all food trucks, trailers, and carts that want to operate in Denver. It ensures that your food truck complies with the City and County of Denver Food Establishment Rules and Regulations.
- How to Register: You can apply for the license by completing the Mobile Plan Review Packet and submitting all required items to the Department of Excise and Licenses.
2. Retail Food License from CDPHE
- Purpose: This license is required to operate a food truck in Colorado. It ensures that your food truck meets the health and safety standards set by the CDPHE.
- Estimated Cost: The plan review packet fee is $100. The cost of the review and license fee is not specified in the provided content.
- How to Register: Submit the appropriate plan review packet with a $100 fee to the Division of Environmental Health & Sustainability at CDPHE. You can begin operation when you receive your plan approval letter.
3. Mobile Food Vendor License
- Purpose: This license is required for anyone selling or offering food from a mobile apparatus like a cart, food truck, wagon, or mobile stand in Colorado Springs.
- Estimated Cost: The annual license fee for the first unit is $110, and each additional unit is $25.
- How to Register: Apply and submit your application online through the City Clerk's office licensing services portal.
4. Zoning Permit
- Purpose: This permit is required if you plan to operate on private property for more than 30 minutes.
- How to Register: The registration process is not specified in the provided content.
5. Colorado Sales Tax License
- Purpose: This license is required to collect sales tax on the goods sold from your food truck.
- How to Register: Obtain the license from the Department of Revenue. The registration process is not specified in the provided content.
6. Approval from El Paso County Health Department
- Purpose: This approval is required to ensure your food truck meets the health and safety standards set by the El Paso County Health Department.
- How to Register: Obtain the approval from the El Paso County Health Department.
For more information, you can refer to the following sources: Denver Food Truck Guide, CDPHE Retail Food Licensing, Colorado Springs Mobile Food Vendor Licensing.
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