Mobile Vending Operations
A vending operation is a truck, automobile, pushcart or other vehicle from which food or beverages are sold. These operations have no fixed location and do not have permanent connection to water supply and sewage disposal systems. If you decide that a food truck or cart aligns with your business vision, you must obtain a vending license from the New Haven Building Department, as well as a food-service license from the New Haven Health Department. This section contains the steps to obtaining both these approvals, as well as information about special vending districts and regulations to keep in mind when designing your plan for your vending operation.

Application Process
- Food Truck or Stand Inside Cart? If you plan on using a food truck or a cart that you stand inside of, you will need approval by the Fire Marshal. Once the Fire Marshal has signed off, you will need to include this document in your Health Department application.
- Vending License: You will need to complete a vending license application with the Building Department. The requirements for this application can be found here.
- Food Safety Training: You must complete a food safety training program by a state-recognized provider. A copy of your certificate of completion must be provided with your cottage food business application.
- Develop Menu: You must develop a menu to submit with your Health Department application.
- Apply! Once you have completed these steps and business registration for the State of Connecticut, you are ready to apply with the Health Department. Apply for a license or permit here, and find guidelines here.