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

Special Event Food Stand License

A food stand at a celebration or special event needs a Special Event Food Stand license from Washington County Public Health and Environment. The 2026 Fees and Definitions table defines it as "A food and beverage service establishment that is used in conjunction with celebrations and special events, and which operates for no more than ten total days in the current calendar year" and lists the fee as "$150 / $0 for nonprofit organizations (must present proof of status)." The page asks applicants to read the Special Event Standards, complete the Special Event Food Stand License Application and submit it at least three calendar days before the event; a $30 late fee applies otherwise. It also states: "Application approval and a posted license are still required for nonprofit establishments." The figure is from the "2026 Fees and Definitions" table on Washington County Public Health and Environment's Food Service Establishments page (the county's official fee page), which covers calendar 2026 and is in effect through December 31, 2026. Contact Washington County Public Health and Environment at 651-430-6655 or PHE@washingtoncountymn.gov.

Mobile Food Unit, Food Cart and Seasonal Temporary Food Stand License

The county's Food Service Establishments page states: "Mobile Food Units (MFUs) and Seasonal Temporary Food Stands licensed by any agency other than the Minnesota Department of Agriculture must obtain a Washington County Public Health and Environment license before operating in the county," and "The annual license fee is $174." The 2026 Fees and Definitions table lists $174 each for a Mobile Food Unit ("a vehicle-mounted unit, either motorized or trailered, operating no more than 21 consecutive days annually at any one place"), a Food Cart ("a non-motorized vehicle self-propelled by the operator") and a Seasonal Temporary Food Stand ("disassembled and moved from location to location, remaining no more than 21 consecutive days in one place"). A unit not currently licensed by another Minnesota health department should contact PHE before applying, because a plan review may be required first; after the application, an inspection is completed before operation. The Special Event / Mobile Food Unit late fee is $30 when the application is received three calendar days or less before the event. The figure is from the "2026 Fees and Definitions" table on Washington County Public Health and Environment's Food Service Establishments page (the county's official fee page), which covers calendar 2026 and is in effect through December 31, 2026. Contact Washington County Public Health and Environment at 651-430-6655 or PHE@washingtoncountymn.gov.

Shared with other businesses in Washington County Mn

• 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.