Mobile Food Vending
Mobile Food Service Units (aka food trucks) are permitted to operate within the City of Thomasville, provided certain requirements are met. Generally, “No person shall operate a Mobile Food Service Unit within the corporate limits of the City without obtaining and maintaining the applicable licenses and permits required by the health authority or any governmental agency of the United States, State of Georgia, Thomas County, or this City.” [Thomasville Municipal Code].
Mobile Food Service Ordinance
The City Council adopted an ordinance in November 2023 amending Chapters 18 and 22 of the Thomasville Municipal Code to provide for mobile food service activities [ORD-52-11132023]. The ordinance became effective January 1, 2024.
Click here to view the Mobile Food Service Ordinance.
Mobile Food Policy
The document linked below is a comprehensive guide to the operating standards and permitting requirements for operating food trucks within the City of Thomasville. The City’s Mobile Food Policy currently includes a regulatory ordinance and a permitting process. Eventually, it will have programming to allow food trucks in more public spaces—stay tuned!
Click here to view the Mobile Food Policy Guide.
Mobile Food Permit Applications
Any mobile food service establishment intending to operate a mobile food service unit within the corporate limits of the city shall obtain:
- A Mobile Food Service Unit Operating Permit for each mobile food service unit prior to commencing operations
- A separate Mobile Food Vending Location Permit for each food vending location that is located on privately-owned property prior to operating at said location
- An event-specific Temporary Vending Permit issued in conjunction with a city-sponsored, city-sanctioned, or otherwise permitted special event
The operating permit ensures that the food truck has the necessary credentials to legally operate in the city, while the food vending location permit ensures that a property is appropriate for food truck operations, the property owner has granted permission to use their property, and the City has approved a safe location where the food truck will be set up on site. A temporary vending permit during special events ensures that the food truck follows any event and/or program specific requirements and standards that may apply and regulate a participating food truck.
Food truck permits will expire on December 31st each year and must be renewed annually.
Application – Mobile Food Service Unit Operating Permit
Application – Mobile Food Vending Location Permit
Application – Vending During City Events
Mobile Food Pre-Application Checklist
Please be informed, there are several prerequisites and application requirements for city-issued permits for food trucks. To discuss any of these requirements with the city staff, please contact: Mollie Powell (229)-227-3306 | Mollie.Powell@thomasville.org
Having these documents ready before submitting your permit applications will expedite the permitting process:
- Occupation Tax Certificate/Business License for the Base of Operation
- Health Authority Permit for Base of Operation
- Health Authority Inspection Report for Base of Operation
- Authorization to Operate issued by Thomas County Health Department (required only if Thomas County is NOT the location of the Base of Operation)
- Health Authority Permit for Mobile Food Service Unit
- Health Authority Inspection Report for Mobile Food Service Unit
- Thomasville Fire Department Fire Inspection Certificate for the Mobile Food Service Unit
- Grease Interceptor Permit (required if Mobile Food Service Unit utilizes a grease trap)
- Vehicle/Trailer Registration and Proof of Motor Vehicle Insurance (required if Mobile Food Service Unit is a food truck or trailer)
- Color Photos clearly showing the front, sides, and rear of the Mobile Food Service Unit
- Copy of Certificate of Liability Insurance
- Site plan and signed statement from the property owner(s) for each food vending location proposed on private property.
Mobile Food Fees
- Annual Mobile Food Service Unit Operating Permit Application Fee - $100.00
- Annual Mobile Food Vending Location Permit Application Fee - $25.00
- Annual Mobile Food Service Unit Fire Inspection Fee - $150.00