What permits do you need to open a food truck in Anoka County?

Mobile Food Unit License (annual)

Anoka County's Temporary Food Stands, Food Trucks & Food Carts page states that "All temporary food stands, food trucks and food carts must be licensed in Anoka County", and the county's temporary MFU application states that a unit operating more than 21 days in Anoka County must obtain an annual license. For the annual license the unit must go through plan review or a pre-licensing inspection, pass a pre-opening inspection, and comply with the Minnesota Food Code, including hot and cold running water under pressure in every month. The page states that "Three-, six- and twelve-month options are available. ($116.25 - $465.00)"; that range is the county's own published figure and the page does not assign an amount to each option, so contact Environmental Services (763-324-4225 for annual MFU licensing, or 763-324-4260) for the amount that applies. A mobile food unit licensed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is listed on the same page among the items that do not require an Anoka County license. Each city sets its own rules on where a truck may park and operate.

Temporary Mobile Food Unit License (up to 21 days)

A food truck or trailer that already holds a mobile food unit license from another Minnesota agency can operate in Anoka County for up to 21 days in the licensing year (February 1 through January 31) on this temporary license instead of the annual one, as described on the county's food-truck page. The county's application form (Modified 05/2024) states: "The fee is $90, with an additional $45 fee if a pre-licensing inspection is required", and that "A $25 late fee may be assessed if the application is received less than 14 days in advance." The unit must have gone through plan review, comply with the Minnesota Food Code, and provide proof of its other license; temporary or seasonal licenses from other agencies do not qualify. One license is required per mobile food unit and licenses may not be shared. A unit that operates more than 21 days in the county needs the annual mobile food unit license. Units licensed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture do not need this county license, according to the same form.

Shared with other businesses in Anoka County

• Certified Food Protection Manager — Minnesota Department of Health, Food, Pools and Lodging Services, $45 certification or renewal, plus a $5 technology fee, 3 years. Also required for restaurants and coffee shops; what it involves is set out on the coffee shops page.
• Food and Beverage Establishment License — Minnesota Department of Health, Food, Pools and Lodging Services, $300 base plus a category fee of $185 low risk, $430 medium or $670 high, plus a $50 statewide hospitality fee and a $5 technology fee — or a delegated county's own schedule, annual. Also required for restaurants and coffee shops; what it involves is set out on the coffee shops page.