Mobile Food Units & Pushcarts (Mobile Restaurants and Hot Dog Carts)
NOTICE: CHANGE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2010
Effective July 1, 2010, there is a $50 pushcart plan review fee when submitting an Application for a Pushcart Operational Permit. Also, effective July 1, 2010, there is a $100 mobile food unit plan review fee when submitting an Application for a Mobile Food Unit Operational Permit.
What is a Pushcart?
A pushcart is designed to prepare and serve hot dogs only and can be moved by one person.
What is a Mobile Food Unit?
A mobile food unit is a restaurant on wheels that is fully enclosed with floors, walls and ceilings. Mechanical refrigeration is required for the cold storage of opened and potentially hazardous foods. A pressurized potable water system is required that provides hot and cold water for all food preparation, utensil cleaning and handwashing. A handwashing lavatory, water heater and at least a single-compartment utensil sink with integral drainboards on both sides of the sink and splashback protection are required.
Do I need a permit?
Units that only serve commercially packaged foods are regulated by the NC Department of Agriculture. For information contact the NC Department of Agriculture at 919-733-7366. Some examples of foods that may be regulated by the Department of Agriculture are dipped ice cream, doughnuts, funnel cakes, popcorn, peanuts and cotton candy.
How do I get a permit?
First, you must find a restaurant that has space for overnight storage of food, water supply, washing facilities and wastewater disposal. The owner of the restaurant and restaurant health inspector must sign a Commissary Form agreeing to the use of the establishment for each day you operate.
Secondly, read MFU-PUC steps to obtain permit and submit your completed MFU/PUC application to Wake County Environmental Services. Details for obtaining a permit are explained in these documents.
Rules
A brief summary has been developed highlighting some of the main points of the Mobile Food Unit and Pushcarts Rules. The complete set of rules can be found at Mobile Food Unit/Pushcart Rules.
Additional Resources