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: 

• Permit Application

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. 

HEALTH DEPARTMENT REGULATION:

All City food vendors are subject to Frederick County Health Department regulation. 

Contact the Food Control Office for necessary information at 301-600-2542. 

The Food Control Office can also provide insight on appropriate commissaries. It is usually recommended against co-locating with a full-time, 7-day a week restaurant, as you will need easy access to parking & loading. 

The Health Department also maintains a list of all currently licensed food trucks in Frederick County. You can find the list on their homepage. 

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.