BizEX: Starting a Business Guide
What is a Mobile Food Unit?
For the purposes of these guidelines, a "Mobile Food Unit" includes food trucks, food trailers, and pushcarts - vehicles that are self-propelled, pushed or pulled to a specific location where food is vended to the public. Mobile food units offer ready to eat foods (no cooking or food preparation), as well as food items with preparation or cook-on service.
This information is intended for mobile food units which propose to operate semi-regularly in specific locations.
Permits for Individual Events
If you are seeking information about permits for individual events, such as fairs, festivals, swim meets and other one-time gatherings, please contact the Zoning Permit Section at DPZMailforZPRB@faircounty.gov or 703-222-1082.
While operating at events that have been issued a Fire Prevention Code Permit (FPCP) by the Office of the Fire Marshal, food trucks are also subject to inspection by the Fire Marshal for compliance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code. For more information, please contact the Fire Inspections Branch at 703-246-4849.
Required Permits & Licenses
Pre-Occupancy Inspection
All mobile food vending units must be inspected by the Health Department prior to occupancy.
Call 703-246-2201 to schedule a pre-occupancy inspection, which is conducted by appointment only between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
A Certified Food Manager must be present at the time of the pre-occupancy inspection. More Information.
Posting Permits and Decals
The following items must be posted and visible:
- Decal indicating that the unit has been inspected and approved by the Fairfax County Health Department.
- Decal indicating that the unit has been authorized to vend from FCPA property, if applicable.
- A copy of the Food Truck Operation Permit issued by the Department of Planning and Development, if operating on private property.
Planning for Renewals
- Food Establishment Permits and Mobile Food Vending Agreements expire on December 31 of each year. More Information.
- Location Permits do not need to be renewed unless the property ownership changes. Operation Permits must be renewed annually.
- Mobile Vending Permits expire on December 31st of the year issued, unless the food truck operator requests a shorter duration, in which case the permit period may be shorter. Businesses will not receive renewal information via mail. More Information.
- Business owners must renew their BPOL each year and pay business tangible property taxes each year. Businesses will receive renewal information via mail each year. More Information.
- Solicitor’s Licenses are valid from one year from the date of issue. Businesses will not receive renewal information via mail. More Information.
- The Certified Food Manager (CFM) Certificate provider will issue a certificate with an expiration date that is five (5) years from date of successful completion of the CFM exam. Renewal requires re-testing.