How to Start a Food Truck Business in Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake City has become one of the most exciting places to launch a food truck.

The demand is strong, the event calendar stays full, and the community continues to support creative street food options.

But getting your truck out there legally and successfully isn’t something you can wing.

If you’re looking to join the growing scene of food trucks in Salt Lake City, Utah, there’s a clear process you’ll need to follow.

This guide breaks it all down—licenses, inspections, truck options, legal requirements, and more.

If you’re searching for a food truck for sale Salt Lake City or just mapping out your launch timeline, this walkthrough will help you move from planning to opening day with confidence.

Why Salt Lake City? (top)

Salt Lake City is one of the fastest-growing food truck hubs in the Mountain West.

With a packed calendar of festivals, college events, farmer’s markets, and community gatherings, there’s no shortage of foot traffic or hungry customers.

From lunchtime crowds near the University of Utah to weekend events at Liberty Park and local breweries, the city offers plenty of opportunity to build a loyal following.

That said, the market isn’t wide open.

Food trucks here must follow strict rules around zoning, parking, and permits.

Popular areas like downtown and the university district can get competitive fast, and the city limits how long a truck can stay in one spot.

Over the past thirty years, Salt Lake City has transformed its food scene. Once known mostly for local comfort food like funeral potatoes and fry sauce, the city now ranks among the top food destinations in the country.

Salt Lake City is listed as the 30th best foodie city in the U.S., with especially strong marks for food diversity, accessibility, and overall quality.

So is there room for more food trucks? Absolutely.

But success here comes down to planning, consistency, and understanding the local rules.

If you're prepared to handle the logistics, Salt Lake City can be a great place to launch and grow a food truck business.

Your Food Truck Launch Blueprint: Step-by-Step Through Salt Lake City (top)

Getting started in the food truck world takes more than just good food. In Salt Lake City, you’ll need a clear plan, the right paperwork, and smart local decisions to set your business up for success.

This section walks you through each major step, from choosing your concept to rolling up to your first customer in the growing scene of food trucks Salt Lake City.

Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Build a Clear Concept and Write Your Business Plan (top)

Before anything else, lock in the basics of your business. What kind of food are you serving? What hours will you operate? Where do you want to be, and who are you hoping to attract?

• Define your concept

  Hours of operation, pricing, menu structure

• Study key areas

  Downtown, University of Utah, hospitals, festivals, and major events

• Set your sales goals

  Keep track of monthly expense estimates

• Map out startup costs

  Truck purchase or rental, permits, insurance, commissary kitchen, equipment, and team wages

• Outline your customer experience

  Will you offer online ordering? Loyalty programs? Music or lighting that helps your truck stand out? Small details can help create repeat customers.

Time Estimate: 1–2 weeks.

Step 2: Secure Every Permit, License & Fee You’ll Need (top)

Next up, you'll handle the essential legal and regulatory steps to operate a food truck in Salt Lake City.

This includes city business licensing, county health permits, fire inspections, and zoning permissions

Here’s exactly what you need:

1. Salt Lake City Business License

To legally operate within Salt Lake City, each individual food truck must hold a valid business license. This license must be renewed annually.

You’ll need to submit a background check for all owners or operators listed on the license, provide a Certificate of Insurance, and confirm your commissary kitchen location.

If you plan to vend on private property, you'll also need written permission from the property owner to submit along with your application. The licensing process is handled through the Salt Lake City Finance Department under their Mobile Food Business section.

Be sure to gather all required documents before you apply to avoid processing delays.

2. Salt Lake County Health Department Permit

In addition to your business license, you must also obtain a mobile food service permit from the Salt Lake County Health Department.

The cost depends on the type of operation: Tier 1 permits, which are for lower-risk food trucks, cost $350 annually. Tier 2 permits, for trucks handling high-risk foods or complex preparation, cost $500. Most trucks will also need to undergo a plan review before approval, which ranges from $580 to $1,345 based on your setup.

The health permit process includes submitting proof of commissary and restroom agreements, food handler certifications, a menu, floorplan of your truck, and passing a pre-opening inspection.

You’re also required to take a mandatory food safety class offered by the county.

This step is important to ensuring your food is prepared and served in compliance with public health standards.

3. Fire Safety Inspection

If your truck has any cooking equipment onboard such as fryers, grills, or ovens. You’re required to pass a fire safety inspection before opening. Your truck must be outfitted with a fully functioning fire suppression system and comply with local fire code standards. This inspection ensures that your setup won’t pose a hazard to customers or nearby property.

To schedule an inspection, you’ll need to contact the Salt Lake City Fire Department directly at (801) 799‑4164.

Fire safety approval is one of the city’s core requirements and is often conducted in conjunction with your final licensing steps.

4. Zoning and Parking Permits

Operating a food truck in Salt Lake City also means following strict zoning and parking rules.

Food trucks are only permitted to operate in certain zones: M-1, M-2, D-1 through D-4, and G-MU (General Mixed Use).

If you want to operate on public streets or sidewalks, the city allows a maximum stay of two hours unless you obtain a special extended permit.

For those planning to park on private property, you must get permission from the property owner and ensure that the site is located in a compliant zone. These permissions are handled through the Salt Lake City Transportation Division, and they help ensure that food trucks do not block traffic or violate neighborhood usage laws.

Timeline: Expect 4–8 weeks if you complete steps simultaneously such as health, fire, licensing, and zoning.

Completing them in parallel saves time and allows you to fix issues early.

Step 3: Secure the Right Food Truck for Your Business (top)

Once your concept and permits are underway, the next major decision is getting your truck

You can either purchase a pre-owned step van or invest in a brand-new custom build, depending on your budget and timeline. Used food trucks are often available through local sellers or online marketplaces.

In Salt Lake City, try searching terms like food trucks for sale Salt Lake City to explore regional listings.

If you're going for a new build, several Utah-based trailer builders can customize your truck to meet city and health requirements. Build time varies, but many local vendors can deliver within four to six weeks.

Be sure to allow extra time for inspections and any post-build changes that might arise.

Timeline: Altogether, the process can take anywhere from 2-6 months from purchase to full operational readiness.

Step 4: Explore Funding Options for Your Launch (top)

Starting a food truck business in Salt Lake City means covering several upfront costs, and you'll need a reliable way to fund them.

Many entrepreneurs begin with personal savings, but there are plenty of financing options if you need help getting started. One route is applying for a Small Business Administration (SBA) microloan, which is designed to support new ventures like food trucks.

You can also consider vendor-based equipment financing, which allows you to pay for your truck and gear over time. Some owners choose to launch crowdfunding campaigns or bring in a business partner to split the startup costs and responsibilities.

The best funding strategy depends on your financial situation, long-term goals, and how quickly you want to get rolling.

Timeline: 3-4 weeks.

Step 5: Make Sure You Have the Right Insurance (top)

Before launching your food truck in Salt Lake City, you’ll need to secure insurance that protects your business, your vehicle, your staff, and your customers. This is a legal requirement and way to operate an innovative business.

Key insurance coverage includes:

• General liability insurance: Protects against customer injuries or property damage

• Commercial auto insurance: Covers accidents or damage involving your food truck

• Workers’ compensation insurance: Required if you plan to hire staff

• Product liability insurance: Recommended for food-related claims

Time Estimate: 1–2 weeks (can run alongside truck build-out)

Step 6: Set Up a Commissary for Prep and Waste Disposal (top)

Salt Lake City does not allow food prep in personal kitchens. You’ll need a contract with a licensed commissary facility where you can safely prepare food, fill water, dump grey water, and store your truck or supplies.

What your commissary agreement should include:

• 1️⃣ Prep space and food storage

• 2️⃣ Water refill and grey-water disposal

• 3️⃣ Trash handling and electricity access

• 4️⃣ Emergency restroom access if you operate at public events

Time Estimate: 2–4 weeks (start early to avoid delays with inspections)

Step 7: Plan Where You’ll Park and Sell (top)

Before you hit the road, it’s important to know exactly where you can legally operate food trucks in Salt Lake City Utah. Not every part of Salt Lake City allows food trucks, so researching zoning restrictions and applying for approvals in advance will save you time and trouble.

Sales location planning tips:

• ✅ Focus on D-zones (downtown), M-zones (industrial), and mixed-use areas.

• ✅ Use SLC.gov event calendars and vendor lists to apply for city-sanctioned events.

• ✅ Partner with local businesses to get written permission to park on private property.

• ✅ Rotate your truck through high-traffic areas like the University of Utah, hospitals, and business parks.

• ✅ Check real-time parking availability using SLC’s online food truck map or local vending apps.

Time Estimate: Ongoing planning. Start 2–4 weeks before your launch and adjust monthly.

Step 8: Hire and Schedule Your Team (top)

You’ll need a reliable crew to operate smoothly, especially during busy hours and events.

Recommended staffing setup:

• ✅ 2 people minimum: one cook, one server or cashier

• ✅ Add a runner or prep cook for festivals and large gatherings

• ✅ Use flexible shifts to match peak periods (lunch, evenings, weekends)

Time Estimate: 1–2 weeks (can overlap with truck build-out)

Step 9: Organize Water and Power for Daily Operation (top)

Every truck in Salt Lake City must follow water safety rules water safety rules. That means proper tanks for clean and grey water, plus a power setup that meets cooking needs.

Daily water tasks:

• ✅ Refill clean water and flush grey water at your commissary

• ✅ Monitor tank sizes. Some events require specific capacities

Power options:

• ✅ Use a generator or find properties with 20–40 amp outlets

• ✅ Generators require fuel. Plan for 5–10 gallons/hour during long shifts

Time Estimate: 1 week (final setup after truck is ready)

Step 10: Offer Optional Seating for Customers (top)

While not required, offering seating can make your food truck stand out, especially if you're parked near offices, parks, or at busy events. A few folding chairs and tables can turn a quick grab-and-go into a more relaxing dining experience, encouraging longer stays and even repeat visits.

Tips for improving customer comfort:

• ✅ Pack foldable tables and chairs that fit easily in your truck or trailer when not in use. Choose lightweight, weather-resistant options for easy setup and storage.

• ✅ Keep all seating clean and safe. Wipe down tables regularly during service hours, and inspect furniture weekly for signs of wear or damage.

• ✅ If you're in a public space, such as a park or city plaza, check with the Salt Lake City Public Services or Permits Department. Some areas may require a temporary seating permit, especially if you're setting up more than a few chairs.

• ✅ Provide shade if possible, adding a pop-up canopy or umbrella will help keep customers cool during summer months and add to the overall appeal of your setup.

• ✅ Designate a trash area near the seating zone. This helps keep your eating area clean and makes it easier for customers to dispose of their waste responsibly.

Time Estimate: 1–2 days for shopping, cleaning, and setup. Easily included in your final week of prep before launch.

Ready to Launch Your Food Truck in Salt Lake City? (top)

Starting a food truck business in Salt Lake City, UT takes time, effort, and local know-how, but it's one of the most exciting ways to build your own brand.

From securing permits and insurance to scouting the right commissary and parking spots, each step brings you closer to success. This guide covers everything: how to get licensed, plan staffing, manage utilities, and find the right food truck for sale in Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake City's food truck scene is growing fast, offering plenty of space for bold menus and fresh ideas. Focus on compliance, customer experience, and smart planning. Stay on track using your startup checklist and local resources.

With the right prep, your food truck can hit the streets and start generating sales in just a few months.

We ❤️ Salt Lake City!