What licenses and permits are required to open a food truck in the Vermont state?

To open a food truck in Vermont, you need to obtain several licenses and permits. These include a Food Service Establishment License, a Commercial Caterer license, a License to Operate a Retail Food Establishment, and a Temporary Food Service License. Other permits and approvals that may be required include Wastewater System & Potable Water Supply, Fire Safety Division, VT Department of Taxes, Asbestos Program, Drinking water testing, Meat and dairy, Liquor License, License to sell beer and wine, Business registration, Act 250, and local permits or regulations from your Town Office.

1. Food Service Establishment License

• Purpose: This license is required for all retail food service establishments, including food trucks.
• Estimated Cost: The fee for a food truck would fall under 'Limited Operations' which is $140.00.
• How to Register: The application for this license requires information about the licensee, the type and capacity of the facility being licensed, type of water and sewage systems serving the facility, proposed opening date, public building permit status, and the applicant's status with the Tax Department. The application time frame is 30 days. The license is administered by the Agency of Human Services, Department of Health, Division of Environmental Health.

2. Commercial Caterer License

• Purpose: This license is required for food trucks, food trailers, and push carts.
• How to Register: To obtain this license, you need to determine which license you need, contact other state and local agencies such as the Department of Taxes, Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Public Safety, and Health Department Lab. You then need to submit a complete application packet, which includes an online application or a printed and mailed application, a copy of the wastewater permit if necessary, and water test results if necessary. After submitting the application, you must pass an opening inspection. You are approved to begin operating after you pass and have all permits in place from other agencies. The license will be emailed to you and you must print the license and post it at the physical location. You can apply online at the Vermont Department of Health website.

3. License to Operate a Retail Food Establishment

• Purpose: This license is required to operate a food truck in Vermont.
• How to Register: The application process involves several steps. First, you must submit the application and fees at least 30 days before you plan to open. The application must be filled out clearly and completely, and it must be signed. You also need to make your check or money order payable to the Vermont Department of Health. The fees are non-refundable. You must submit a plan review for all new construction and major renovations. There is no fee for a plan review. You also need to submit a draft of the proposed menu and a copy of the water/wastewater permit for the building, or documentation from an engineer in lieu of a wastewater permit. If you don't have a permit for your project, you should contact a regional office. After the application is processed, a public health inspector will contact you to discuss your business details and to schedule a preliminary or opening inspection. A license is issued after passing an opening inspection and is valid for one year from the date of inspection. The license will be emailed within ten business days after inspection. You can also apply online at healthvermont.gov/food-lodging.

4. Temporary Food Service License

• Purpose: This license is required for food and/or beverage stands that are disassembled and moved from location to location, operating for no more than 14 days in any one location.
• How to Register: The application for this license should be submitted at least 15 days before the first event. If you have any offsite preparation locations, you need a separate license for those. The license will be emailed to you after the application is reviewed and approved, and it must be posted at the physical location. Be prepared for an inspection at any event where you operate. Applications and fees will not be accepted at events, and incomplete applications will be returned. You can read the Temporary Food Stand Requirements at the Vermont Department of Health website and apply online. If you're an event coordinator, you also need to verify the license status of your food vendors to avoid issues during the event. Their website has a downloadable version of this application form as well.

For more information, visit the following links:

• Vermont Department of Health
• Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
• Vermont Department of Health - Retail Food Service Establishments
• Vermont Department of Health - Temporary Food Service Establishments

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