Mobile Food Unit Permit Application
Via Mail
In Person
Mobile food units are a type of restaurant and can operate year-round (kitchen on wheels). They vary in equipment and design, depending upon the type of food and service intended by the operator. The unit is a vehicle that is self-propelled, or can be pulled or pushed down a sidewalk, street, highway or waterway. Food may be prepared or processed on the vehicle which is used to sell and dispense food to the consumer. There is no size limit to mobile food units, but they must meet basic requirements. Mobile food units must operate from a commissary. Mobile Food Unit and commissary requirements may be found in the Mobile Food Unit Operation Guide.
A Health Permit is required for Class II, III, and IV units. Before a Mobile Food Unit is licensed to operate, plans must be approved by the local Health Department in the jurisdiction where the commissary is located. Approval from other county departments may also be required. These include, but are not limited to Planning & Zoning, Building Inspections, Fire, Finance (Business License), and other County departments or State agencies.
Foodservice Plan Review
Our Mobile Foodservice Plan Review will assist you in gaining compliance with the Virginia Department of Health Food Regulations. The information entered on the plan review application must correspond directly with the plans submitted for the Health Department review. We suggest that you attend a plan review conference prior to final review of your plans. Please contact the Health department at (804) 501-4529 for additional information or to schedule an appointment.
Health Permit Application & Plan Review Fees
The following must be submitted to the Henrico Health Department prior to approval for a Mobile Food Unit Permit:
- Applications for a Department of Health Food Establishment Permit and Mobile Foodservice Plan Review (including required plans, menu and Commissary Letter)
- Payment of $80.00.
Our physical address is:
Henrico County Health Department
8600 Dixon Powers Drive
Henrico, VA 23228
Our mailing address is:
Henrico County Health Department
P. O. Box 90775
Henrico, VA 23273-0775
Other Licenses Needed
Please understand that in addition to the Health Department’s regulations and review the commissary must also comply with all relevant building codes and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy. The mobile food unit will require a Business License. The commissary may also require a business license.
