Opening a food truck in Louisiana requires several licenses and permits. These include a City-issued food truck permit, an occupational license, and various approvals, inspections, and certificates from the State Department of Health and Hospitals, the New Orleans Fire Department, and the Department of Safety and Permits. The process also involves registering the mobile food truck with the Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles and obtaining automobile and commercial general liability insurance coverage.
1. City-Issued Food Truck Permit
- Purpose: This permit is required to legally operate a food truck in the city. It ensures that the food truck complies with all city regulations and safety standards.
- Estimated Cost: The application fee is $50.00, and the food truck permit fee is $400.25.
- How to Register: The application process begins with the City's One Stop for licenses and permits. You can find the Food Truck Permit Application here.
2. Occupational License
- Purpose: This license is required for conducting business in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. It ensures that the business complies with all local and state regulations.
- Estimated Cost: The occupational license fee is $150.00.
- How to Register: You can apply for this license with the Bureau of Revenue.
3. State Department of Health and Hospitals Approvals, Inspections, and Certificates
- Purpose: These are required to ensure that the food truck complies with all health and safety regulations.
- Estimated Cost: Varies depending on the specific requirements.
- How to Register: You need to contact the State Sanitarian in your Parish and provide them with a Plans Review Questionnaire for Mobile Food Establishment and Plans Review Documents for Building & Premise. You can find more information at the Louisiana Department of Health website.
4. New Orleans Fire Department Approvals and Inspections
- Purpose: These are required to ensure that the food truck complies with all fire safety regulations.
- Estimated Cost: Varies depending on the specific requirements.
- How to Register: The New Orleans Fire Department will inspect all vehicles after applications are submitted.
5. Department of Safety and Permits Zoning Inspection
- Purpose: This inspection is required to ensure that the food truck complies with all zoning regulations.
- Estimated Cost: Varies depending on the specific requirements.
- How to Register: The process involves applying with the Bureau of Revenue, after which a zoning inspection is performed.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the following sources:
- City of New Orleans One Stop for licenses and permits
- Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals
- Shreveport, Louisiana Food Truck Application
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