As neighborhoods seek different stay at home activities during the pandemic, the City has received an increase in inquiries from residents looking for food truck options. Food truck vendors have also contacted the City regarding the fees and requirements for food trucks. A number of food truck vendors have stated that they would do business in Independence but the high cost of the permits/licensing has kept them from doing so up to this point even though they have had numerous inquiries from Independence residents.
The current health permit fee for a mobile food unit is $200; this fee has been in place since 2012 and is the same amount charged to a restaurant. In addition to the health permit, a business license fee is also required.
One of the goals of the Independence for All Strategic Plan is to increase economic prosperity of the community through growing retail and commercial businesses and well as increasing livability. It’s advantageous to expand the opportunity for businesses to operate in the city. Similarly, the additional activity generally generated by food trucks is a benefit to the neighborhoods and the city.
This temporary fee waiver for mobile food units would allow time to further research the issue and make any necessary updates to fees. During this time, any new mobile food units would still be be required to comply with other regulations and requirements of the City Code. Revised mobile food unit fees would be brought forward prior to the expiration of the 6 month fee waiver.