Mobile Food Vendors

The City of De Soto embraces mobile food vendors as an integral part of the community, offering diverse culinary options that enhance local events and everyday life. However, to ensure public safety, cleanliness, and the orderly operation of these businesses, the city has established clear guidelines that all mobile food vendors must follow.

Permit Requirements

Application for Mobile Food Vendors

Before commencing operations, mobile food vendors must obtain a permit from the City of De Soto. This process involves submitting detailed information about the business, including the types of food offered, proposed operating locations, and proof of compliance with all relevant health and safety standards. The application fee for this permit is set by the City Council and may be reviewed and adjusted periodically.

Operational Guidelines

Once permitted, mobile food vendors must adhere to specific operational guidelines. Vendors are only allowed to operate in designated areas within the city, which have been chosen to minimize disruptions to traffic and ensure accessibility for customers. Additionally, vendors must strictly comply with state health regulations, including maintaining proper food storage temperatures, following rigorous sanitation practices, and undergoing regular health inspections.

Operating hours for mobile food vendors are restricted to between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM, unless otherwise specified for certain events or locations through a Temporary Use Permit. Vendors are responsible for ensuring that their operating area is clean and that noise levels are managed to avoid disturbances to nearby residents and businesses.

Key Regulations

There are several critical regulations that mobile food vendors must follow:

1. Property Owner Permission: Vendors must obtain permission from the property owner where their Mobile Food Unit is located before starting any activities.

2. Paved Surfaces Only: Vendors may only operate on paved surfaces within the city.

3. Restrictions on Public Right of Way: Vendors are prohibited from selling food or beverages from a public right of way unless they have received approval as part of a Temporary Use Permit issued by the city.

4. Limit on Number of Units: At most, two Mobile Food Units can operate simultaneously on any single property, except when approved under a Temporary Use Permit or a  city-sponsored event.

5. Operating Hours: Vendors are not allowed to sell food or beverages before 7:00 AM or after 10:00 PM, except under a Temporary Use Permit.

Permit Renewal

Mobile food vendor permits expire at the end of each calendar year. To continue operations into the next year, vendors must submit a renewal application before their current permit expires. The renewal process is similar to the initial application and requires updated information about the business and continued compliance with health and safety standards. The City Council also sets the renewal fee and may be subject to annual adjustments.

Enforcement

City officials may inspect mobile food vendors to ensure adherence to all regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in penalties, including the revocation of permits and fines.