▼

Mobile Food Vending Pilot Program

Show All Answers

1. What is the City of Bristol Mobile Food Vendor Pilot Program?

A tow year Mobile Food Vendor Pilot Program has been established to allow Mobile Food Vendors to operate in designated areas within the city, and the Pilot Program will:

• Provide the City with evaluative data and feedback before adopting a permanent policy

• Allow flexibility to adjust operations as needed

• Acquaint the public with the Pilot Program

• Allow the City to estimate costs and staffing needs

2. What does the City of Bristol consider a Mobile Food Vendor Unit?

A Mobile Food Vending Unit is an enclosed unit, truck, trailer, cart or similar vehicle-mounted unit that is:

• Mobile or capable of being moved by a licensed motor vehicle

• Independent with respect to water, waste water, and power utilities

• Used for the preparation, sale or donation of food products and beverages

• No longer than thirty-five (35) feet.

3. I'm interested in operating a Mobile Food Vending Unit in Bristol. What's the first step?

Before submitting an application tot he City of Bristol, all Mobile Food Vending Units need to comply with the Food Service Establishment Rules and Regulations of the Tennessee Department of Health. If you reside in Sullivan County, please contact:

TN Department of Health
Environmental Health Division
P.O. Box 364
Blountville, TN 37617
423-279-1616

If you do not reside in Sullivan County, please contact your local health department or health authority.

4. How do I apply for a Mobile Food Vending Permit?

You may download the Mobile Food Unit Permit Application from the City's website or contact the Food Truck Liaison for a copy of the application.

Director, Parks & Recreation
325 McDowell Street (Slater Center)
Bristol, TN 37620
tnapier@bristoltn.org
423-764-4023

5. How much does the City of Bristol Mobile Food Vendor Permit cost?

The Mobile Food Vendor Permit is $400.00 per year. The Permit fees cannot be pro-rated and are non-refundable once the City issues the Mobile Food Vending Unit Permit.

6. Will my Mobile Food Unit need to be inspected by the City of Bristol?

After the Unit is permitted, the City reserves the right to conduct inspections to ensure compliance with the Pilot Program and the City's ordinances.

7. What equipment does the City of Bristol require?

Enclosed unit, truck or trailer is to be equipped with 2-A:10-B:C fire extinguisher that is certified annually by a licensed company. Food cars or other small units are to be equipped with 1-A:10-B:C fire extinguisher. Additionally, Units that produce grease laden vapors (e.g., those units with deep fat fryers or flat top griddles) must be equipped with a K-Class fire extinguisher that is certified annually by a licensed company.

8. What additional information will the City of Bristol need before issuing a permit?

• Completed City of Bristol Mobile Food Vending Unit Permit Application

• Appropriate permit fee, by cash, credit card, or check payable to the City of Bristol, TN.

• Copy of Tennessee Department of Health License

• Copy of business license(s)

• Copy of a valid government-issued driver's license for all drivers

• Mobile Food Vending Unit information, including vehicle registration number, make, model, floor plans, equipment, dimensions and color photographs (front, both sides, rear) of Unit

• Proof of Commercial Insurance

• Proof of Automobile Insurance

• Proof of Workers' Compensation Insurance, if applicable

• Spill Response Plan & Kit

9. What type of business licenses do I need?

If your business is within Bristol city limits, you need a City of Bristol business license and a Sullivan County business license.

10. What permits must be displayed in my Mobile Food Vending Unit?

You must visibly display the Health Department License and the City of Bristol Mobile Food Vending Permit.

11. What location(s) can I operate my Mobile Food Vending Unit?

The Downtown Center parking area (State Street Side) has been designated as the approved location for Mobile Food Vending Units. Mobile Food Vending Units may operate Monday- Friday between 10:30 am and 6:30 pm, except during City scheduled events and approved parking rentals.

12. How can I set up my Mobile Food Vending Unit at Special Events?

You need to contact the person in charge of the special event to be a vendor, but you may not need a Mobile Food Vending Permit.

13. Can I operate my Mobile Food Vending Unit in a City of Bristol Park?

Yes, but prior permission must be obtained from the Parks & Recreation Director. Additional fees may apply. If you wish to operate your Mobile Food Vending Unit in a City of Bristol park, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 423-764-4023.(tnaiper@bristoltn.org)

14. Can I use signs to advertise my business?

Yes, a Unit is limited to signs mounted to the exterior of the mobile food establishment. All signs mounted on the Unit shall be secured and mounted flat against the Unit and shall not project more than six inches (6") form the exterior of the Unit.

15. May I use amplification equipment on or around my Unit?

No.

16. May I operate my Mobile Food business from my house?

No. Specific zoning districts govern any activity or use associated with operating a Mobile Food Vending Unit (e.g., food preparation, waste disposal, produce deliveries). Residential districts strictly limit the operation of home occupations, as defined in section 223 of the City of Bristol Zoning Ordinance.

17. Where can I access all the rules the Mobile Food Vendor Pilot Program?

Information on the Mobile Food Vendor Pilot Program can be found on the City's website (www.bristotn.org) or by contacting Parks & Recreation at 423-764-4023.

18. Who should I contact if I have further questions?

While the Mobile Food Vendor Pilot Program is a joint effort of numerous City Departments, the program is administered by the Parks & Recreation Department. If you have questions, please contact the Department at 423-764-4023 or tnaiper@bristoltn.org.