New Orleans food truck permits: checklist & costs
What a food truck needs to operate in New Orleans, LA — the approvals, who issues them, typical fees and how often they renew.
Estimated first-year permitting
$500–$1,800
Planning estimate — pending more precise per-agency figures
Permit checklist
1. Mobile Food Unit Permit
Louisiana Dept. of Health · fee varies · renews every year
2. Mobile Vending Permit
City of New Orleans Safety & Permits · fee varies · renews every year
3. Occupational Licence
City of New Orleans · fee varies · renews every year
4. Fire Inspection
New Orleans Fire Department · fee varies · renews every year
5. Commissary Agreement (monthly)
Commissary kitchen · $300.00 · renews every month
Things to know in New Orleans
- · Two layers: a state-issued mobile food unit permit from the Louisiana Department of Health, plus New Orleans city requirements (mobile vending permit, occupational licence, fire inspection).
- · The city layer is a planning estimate only — confirm current New Orleans fees and vending-zone rules locally before you budget.
- · Planning estimate: $500-$1,800 combined state, city and fire permitting in year one.
- · Commissary space typically runs $300-$1,200 per month.
Costs are planning ranges compiled from published fee schedules — not quotes. Fees, categories and timelines change, so verify locally with the issuing agency before you budget or apply.
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