Comprehensive information on local Food Truck regulations – including where trucks may operate- can be found in the recently amended Chapter 29 (Sales of Food and Other Goods) within the City Code.
Explore the Ordinance here.
PERMITTING AS A VENDOR/PEDDLER:
A food truck’s City of Frederick Vendor'/Peddler permit will be processed through the City’s Permitting Department. Please contact 301-600-3926 with any questions.
Locations for Operation:
In June 2022, City Code was amended to expand food truck opportunities to both residential and non-residential areas throughout the City. The general prohibition of food trucks within the historic district (not including Carroll Creek Linear Park, the Marc Train Station, and consenting breweries/wineries/distilleries) was maintained.
Residential areas are defined as the following zoning districts: PRK, RC, R4, R6, R12, R16, R20, RO, DR, and the residential component of MU-1, MU-2, MXE district.
Within residential areas (OUTSIDE OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT),
Mobile food units:
May only operate between the hours of 10 am and 8 pm
May not operate on the same numerical block of a street for more than five consecutive days
Within non-residential areas of the City (outside of the historic) district:
Mobile food units:
May operate a mobile food unit on a privately-owned property with the permission of the owner
May operate between 9am and 9 pm each day, and may remain on the property for all or part of that 12-hour period
Within the historic district,
Mobile food units are restricted to Carroll Creek Linear Park, the MARC Train Station, breweries/wineries/distilleries that have extended permission for use of their property, and City-sanctioned special events.
· A mobile food unit located in the parking area adjacent to the MARC train station may operate only during the hours of schedule transit services
· A mobile food unit located in the parking area of a craft beverage establishment may operate during the hours of the brewery/winery/distillery.
SPECIAL EVENTS & ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
The City of Frederick operates the “Key City Food and Farm Market” in Baker Park every Friday during the summer months. The event hosts both food trucks and locally sourced-goods. For information on participating, contact our Parks & Recreation Department at 301-600-3850.
There are other City-Sanctioned Special Events that allow food vendors. Speak with Celebrate Frederick at 301-600-CITY for more information.
Operating Standards:
A complete overview of operating standards required of mobile food units can be found in City Code. Some of these standards include:
· The display of the issued license
· Operation on paved areas only
· Property owners and operators of food unit shall ensure that mobile food units are operated in such a banner as to provide sufficient space for maneuvering onto the lot for safe access by pedestrians and emergency vehicles, and not violating the minimum parking standards prescribed by the LMC
· Mobile food units provide at least one trash receptable and one recycling receptable
For the full list of expectations, view the Ordinance here.
STATE-WIDE REQUIREMENTS
Don’t forget — the City’s local vendor/peddler permit is in addition to the requirements for legally operating a food truck business as established by the State of Maryland.
Learn more about registering your business with the State, obtaining a State of Maryland peddler’s license, and other State-related obligations at: Maryland Business Express (MBE). Our local Frederick County Clerk of the Circuit Court can also answer specific questions regarding obtaining a State’s peddler’s license directly at: 301-600-1965.