Temporary and Mobile Food Businesses

Temporary Food Permit

Temporary food events, such as the county fair, fundraisers, community events, etc., require a food license.  See the link below for a copy of a Temporary Food License Application.  The license fee, effective January 1st, 2020, and is $50.00 per event (up to five consecutive days).

Application and fee payment must be received five business days prior to the event. Please note that money cannot be accepted out in the field, so plan accordingly.

Home cooked foods, home canned foods, or home prepared foods are not permitted.  Any individual or business that offers home cooked foods, home canned foods, or home prepared foods for sale will be denied a temporary food license.

If you are planning an event, please read Food Safety at Temporary Events for more information.

Links and Resources

Mobile Food Businesses

Food Truck Vendors must follow state, county, and city regulations regarding mobile food licenses and inspections. 

Mobile food service operation” means a food service operation that is operated from a movable vehicle, portable structure, or watercraft and that routinely changes location, except that if the operation remains at any one location for more than forty consecutive days, the operation is no longer a mobile food service operation.

Mobile retail food establishment” means a retail food establishment that is operated from a movable vehicle or other portable structure, and that routinely changes location, except that if the establishment operates from any one location for more than forty consecutive days, the establishment is no longer a mobile retail food establishment.

Mobile units shall be equipped and sized so that equipment storage and food preparation can take place inside the unit.  Grilling and some food prep may be done outside of unit, if it can be done under sanitary conditions.  A private home may not be used for the storage of food or related items. Food and related items can only be stored on the secured Mobile unit, at the servicing area, or at the commercial establishment from which it is purchased.

Please click the “Starting a Mobile Food Business” link, and check out the other links below for more information on mobile food business requirements. Contact the Environmental department to setup a time to meet with a Sanitarian if you are interested in starting a mobile food business.

Links and Resources

City of Defiance has special requirements if setting up at specific locations. Please click the link for City of Defiance annual food truck registration information.

inthis together