Mobile Food Units

What is a Mobile Food Unit?

A food establishment preparing and serving foods from a self-contained vehicle, either motorized or within a trailer, that is readily movable without disassembling, for transport to another location.

Mobile Food Unit Standards

Please see Section §21.302.18 of the City of Bloomington Code for Mobile Food Unit Code Requirements.

What do I need before operating a mobile food unit?

• License issued by Business Licensing (see right column).
• Permission of property owner.
• All mobile food units must operate in conjunction with a licensed commercial kitchen or commissary for food preparation and storage when not performed in the mobile food unit.

How to apply

1. Apply for license through Business Licensing (See applications here: Business license applications and forms).
2. Schedule vehicle inspection with the Environmental Health Division prior to operating.
3. Environmental Health Division will review & act on the license application. You can contact the Environmental Health Division at (952)563-8934 or via email at envhealth@bloomingtonmn.gov. 

Where can I operate a mobile food unit?

• Coordinate with the property owner of a site to determine an appropriate location that meets Code requirements.
• Operation in residential areas may be allowed. Ask staff about residential requirements.

• On-street operation is generally not allowed.

  

  Vehicular and Pedestrian circulation must not be impeded, and fire lanes must remain clear
  Requirement: Maintain 24 ft drive aisles
  A: At least 200 feet away from restaurant entrances
  B: At least 10 feet away from building entrances
  C: At least 10 feet from hydrants (and obeyance of other traffic laws)