Welcome to the Johnson County Mobile Food Vendor Resource Hub! This page contains basic information to support those who are in the early stages of their mobile food business. While this page contains many great resources, it is not exhaustive. If you have any suggestions for additional content or have specific questions, please reach out to [email protected]. 

Food Truck or Food Cart Requirements in Iowa

 

Identify your type of mobile food unit (food truck or food cart) and browse its requirements in Iowa

Business Structure

Decide on your legal business structure

Food Safety Licensing

Complete a Mobile Food Unit License Application through Johnson County Public Health

City Zoning and Licensing Permit

Find out where you can vend and what the city’s requirements are

  • Iowa City

    • Application, guidance, and administrative rules can be found at the City of Iowa City website > Government > Permits, Licenses, and Plans > Food Trucks
    • Contact Building Inspection Services (319-356-5123) for permit and licensing support
    • View Iowa City Code about food truck parking and regulations here 

  • Coralville 

    • Application and ordinance can be found at the City of Coralville website > Government > City Clerk > Licenses & Permits > Peddlers Permit
    • Contact City Clerk Thorsten Johnson at [email protected] with questions
    • Summary of action from City Clerk:
      • "There is a once a year $25.00 application fee for the permit, but the vendor needs to submit a form for each location they plan to use that is signed by the property owner or manager. We are still using the same forms as we use for transient merchants but vendors do not need a Surety Bond. They need to provide a copy of their state mobile food vendor permit and proof of liability insurance and a photo ID."

  • Hills

    • Currently the City of Hills does not require a permit. Mobile food vendors should go into the City Office for permission to sell here in town and to provide a license that they are licensed with the state or county to sell. 
    • No permits or ordinances necessary; food truck owners just call Hills City Office (319 679 3179) for permission

  • North Liberty

    • Mobile Food Unit Permit Application and guidance can be found on the City of North Liberty website >  Departments > Building Inspection > Permits > scroll down or search "Mobile Food Unit" 
    • Contact Tom Palmer, Building Official with questions ([email protected] | 319-626-5713) 

  • Tiffin

    • Mobile Food Truck Application can be found on the City of Tiffin website > City Government > Departments > City Hall > see left side panel 
    • Contact Bill Erb, Code Enforcement Officer, for unit inspection ([email protected] | 319.545.2572 ext 6) 

  • University of Iowa campus

    • This resource walks vendors through the process to be considered as options for providign food truck services on the University of Iowa campus 

  • Private property 

    • Food truck catering (not selling) from private property does not need a permit from the city.
    • Requirements for food truck selling from private property in Iowa City:
      • Temporary use permit completed via CSS
      • Health permit, Certificate Of Insurance and a site plan.
      • $75 fee for new application, $25 for a renewal/good for six months  (note: this does not include any fees/rent/etc. that may be paid to the property owner)

Insurance for Mobile Food Unit

Identify insurance needs for your unit and make sure you have proper coverage

Commercial Kitchen and Shared Kitchen Spaces

Do you know someone with retail space or a ghost kitchen? Find a shared-use kitchen that fits your needs and explore Iowa-specific resources

  • Visit Iowa Kitchen Connect to find a shared-use kitchen space near you. This resource also contains information on:
    • Insurance
    • Licensing
    • Food safety
    • Labeling 
    • Business resources
    • Market research

Local Procurement

Connect with local growers or food hubs to source local seasonal products for your menu

  • Field to Family: Local Food Explorer
    • Field to Family is a nonprofit food hub that connects individuals and institutions with local food and farms in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area. As you plan your menu, consider sourcing your ingredients locally. You can start by reviewing the Local Food Explorer to find products that fit your needs. If you have specific questions, contact [email protected] for more information.

  • Global Food Project

    • Global Food Project Market runs on Saturdays from 3-5 PM from July 12-September 27 at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm (4811 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, IA 52246).  GFP growers also sell through Field to Family's wholesale market every week from June-October. Interested buyers can find GFP producers on the left hand list of producer. Each farmer has their own farm name and "Global Food Project" listed underneath, making them searchable and identifiable that way. 

      For more information, contact Felicia directly ([email protected]), and check out Global Food Project on Facebook and Instagram!

  • Johnson County Farmers Markets

  • Choose Iowa

Business Planning Support

Start thinking about your company description, marketing strategy, ownership and management, sample menu, and potential customers. Connect with small business support for services that meet your business’ needs.

Johnson County-area resources: 

 

General resources: 

Funding your Mobile Food Unit

Review mobile unit funding cost estimates and SBA (US Small Business Administration) loan information

Local resources: 

 

General resources:

Marketing

Make a business plan, know who your customers are, and figure out where to sell!

Local resources:

 

General resources: 

Lean on Community Experts

Build your support network and find a business mentor