Food trucks are only able to operate in certain places, most notably to ensure they locate where there is adequate parking and space to gather around the truck. Here is some information about the types of locations and associated regulations.
- Food trucks can apply to seek approval to operate as a “mobile food vendor” on a Park Authority property.
- To operate on commercially or industrially zoned properties, or nonresidential parts of planned district zoned properties (i.e. mixed-use developments), the Zoning Administration Division requires approval of a Food Truck Location Permit and each food truck must have its own Food Truck Operation Permit. Up to three food trucks can simultaneously operate and there are site-specific and operational use standards that must be met for both permits.
- Through the Health Department, food trucks can seek an agreement to allow them to operate on sections of five public streets. For concerns about food trucks in public streets without permission, please contact the Police Department at 703-691-2131 / TTY 711.
- Open-air food stands – like those selling fruit or other goods from pickup trucks or cars with folding tables – are generally not considered food trucks and so are not approved to operate in Fairfax County.
A Health Department Food Establishment Permit is required for all food trucks, as is a Solicitors License, issued by the Department of Cable and Consumer Services.
Information about food trucks is also available in the Department of Code Compliance (DCC) Food Trucks flyer.
DCC is here to help – if you have questions, want to make a report, or if you are the subject of enforcement and need to contact us. You can report problems online, learn about what happens during an investigation, reach us via email, phone (703-324-1300 / TTY 711), or visit us in person at 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1016, Fairfax, VA 22035.
Deputy Director
703-324-3807, TTY 711