Considerations for Your Operating Base:

Even with mobility, the mobile food unit must have a physical address that serves as the base of operation. That base location should be where the unit returns regularly for such things as equipment cleaning, discharging waste and refilling water or ice supplies. The storage of mobile food units are regulated by the zoning ordinance the same as other commercial vehicles. In setting that up, ask yourself these questions:

Are you required to pay local taxes? Contact the Loudoun Commissioner of the Revenue to confirm.

If your location is based in Loudoun County, you will need a Business, Professional, and Occupational License. A Loudoun BPOL is not required if the mobile food unit does business in the county but is headquartered outside of Loudoun.

Can food be prepared here? Contact the Health Department, Department of Planning and Zoning and Department of Building and Development to confirm.

Food preparation must be done either inside of the mobile food unit or in a commissary inspected and approved by the Health Department. A commissary is a catering or food establishment where food, containers and supplies are stored, prepared or packaged. Such commissary must obtain all applicable approvals from Planning and Zoning and Building and Development This must be separate from your unit’s service area.

Considerations Before You Hit the Road:

Before launching your mobile food unit, make sure that you have proper approval. Ask yourself these questions:

Do you plan to serve food on premises?  Contact Department of Planning and Zoning and the Health Department with questions.

Whether it’s a snack bar, mobile food truck or commercial kitchen (restaurant), Planning and Zoning can answer any question as to the type of food service allowed and the Health Department can answer any questions on food service regulations or direct you to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for limited food service approval.

Have you met fire and safety standards? Contact the Loudoun Fire Marshal for inspection.

The Loudoun Fire Marshal must inspect your mobile food unit before you can open for business. This is important to both your safety and that of your customers.

Are mobile food units allowed on-location? Contact local officials to confirm.

Each town, city and county could regulate where and how mobile food units may operate. It is best to check local ordinances to confirm that you are in compliance.

Considerations for On-Site Setup:

Once your mobile food unit is on location, there are specific ways in which you can prepare and provide food. Ask yourself these questions:

Do you need a zoning permit? Contact Department of Building and Development to confirm.

A zoning permit is required for a stationary food establishment. If the mobile food unit remains on wheels, is not hard-plumbed or wired, and will be moved off the premises daily, it may not require a zoning permit. It is considered a transient use. The exception to daily removal of mobile food units is when they are used for a limited or defined period of time as part of:

1. An approved Special Event in accordance with Section 5-500(C) of the Zoning Ordinance;
2. Legal events held at farm wineries and limited breweries;
3. Other uses that include events/private parties as part of the use.

At the conclusion of the event or private party the food truck must be removed.

Do you have access to utilities? By definition, mobile food units cannot connect to onsite utilities. Water must be transported in on the unit, waste must be stored on the unit, and power must come from a battery or generator.

Do you need more space? Any mobile food unit operations must be done on or in the unit, including food preparation, storage and sales. Mobile food unit operations shall not extend or expand outside of the truck